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Defining the Origins of the Iliofemoral, Ischiofemoral, and Pubofemoral Ligaments of the Hip Capsuloligamentous Complex Utilizing Computer Navigation

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HSS Journal ®

Abstract

Purpose

To use computer navigation software to investigate the specific origins of the hip capsuloligamentous complex.

Methods

Six fresh frozen cadaver hips were anatomically landmarked utilizing a three-dimensional computer navigation system. The acetabular origins of the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments were statically digitized. Computer software was used to create a 180° (6:00) meridian line positioned over the midpoint of the acetabular notch, and to present the results in a clocklike manner in hours and minutes (00:00) and also degrees relative to the 12 o’clock position.

Results

The iliofemoral ligament origin starts at 17° (±31°) from the 12 o’clock position, or 12:35 (±1:02) in hours and minutes, and ends at 69° (±13°) or 2:18 (±0:25), spanning a mean distance of 52° (±19°). The ischiofemoral ligament has the broadest origin, starting at 262° (±12°) or 8:44 (±0:24), and ending at 353° (±17°) or 11:45 (±0:14), spanning a mean distance of 90° (±6°). The pubofemoral ligament origin is the smallest, starting at 121° (±5°) or 4:02 (±0:11), and ending at 163° (±9°) or 5:27 (±0:18), spanning a mean distance of 42° (±5°). The iliofemoral ligament origin demonstrates the greatest anatomic variability with regards to its location and its size (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that there is significant variability in the size and location of the iliofemoral ligament origin versus the pubofemoral and ischiofemoral ligaments.

Level of Evidence

Level IV anatomic cadaveric study. See the guidelines online for a complete description of level of evidence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Denis Nam MD, Daniel Choi BA, Anil S. Ranawat MD, Bryan T. Kelly MD & Struan H. Coleman MD, PhD

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

    Daryl C. Osbahr MD

  3. Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Anil S. Ranawat MD, Bryan T. Kelly MD & Struan H. Coleman MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Denis Nam MD
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  2. Daryl C. Osbahr MD
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  3. Daniel Choi BA
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  4. Anil S. Ranawat MD
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  5. Bryan T. Kelly MD
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  6. Struan H. Coleman MD, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Denis Nam MD.

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Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g., consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.

Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the reporting of this study, that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.

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Nam, D., Osbahr, D.C., Choi, D. et al. Defining the Origins of the Iliofemoral, Ischiofemoral, and Pubofemoral Ligaments of the Hip Capsuloligamentous Complex Utilizing Computer Navigation. HSS Jrnl 7, 239–243 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11420-011-9214-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11420-011-9214-3

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