Quantitative Anatomic Analysis of the Native Ligamentum Teres

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic anatomy
• Hip joint biomechanics
• Surgical anatomy

Background:

• Detailed quantitative anatomy of the ligamentum teres is lacking.
• Previous studies offer limited consensus on acetabular attachment morphology.
• Understanding ligamentum teres anatomy is crucial for surgical reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a clinically relevant, quantitative anatomic description of the native human ligamentum teres.
• To detail the number, morphology, and location of ligamentum teres attachments.
• To establish precise anatomical landmarks for surgical reference.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of ten human cadaveric hemipelvises.
• Quantification of acetabular and femoral attachment areas using a coordinate measuring device.
• Description of acetabular anatomy using the clock face reference system.

Main Results:

• Identified six distinct acetabular attachments and one femoral attachment for the ligamentum teres.
• Quantified acetabular and femoral attachment footprints at 434 mm² and 84 mm², respectively.
• Mapped acetabular attachments to specific clock face positions, noting the anterior attachment (4:53) as substantially larger than the posterior.

Conclusions:

• The human ligamentum teres exhibits six acetabular and one femoral attachment point.
• Quantitative data and clock face locations provide precise anatomical references.
• These findings enhance arthroscopic identification of ligamentum teres attachments for surgical interventions.