Skip to main content

1878MarshallJ

 

Fragments from the book Marshall J. Anatomy for artists (1878). The author discusses the anatomy and briefly the role of the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF): «… checks adduction of the thigh, or a sinking down of the pelvis upon the opposite side, and, possibly, also limits the reciprocal, horizontal rotatory movements of the femur and the pelvis on each other».

 

Quote p. 65

The head of the femur is almost entirely received into the acetabulum, a deep socket of the hip-bone, thus forming the largest and most complete ball-and- socket joint in the body. At a point on the inner side of the head of the femur, a little below and also behind its centre, is a small rough, bifid , depression, for the attachment of the ligamentum teres of the hip-joint. Opposite this point, the head of the bone is, however, more prominent than elsewhere, and corresponds with a non- articular depressed portion of the acetabulum.

 

Quote p. 68

The ligamentum teres, which is attached by one end to the head of the femur, descends within the hip-joint, to be attached to the margins of this notch ; continuous with the notch, is a broad, shallow excavation, of a circular form, the fovea or pit of the acetabulum, which extends into the floor of the socket, and lodges that ligament, together with some fatty tissue and blood-vessels . Owing to the presence of this pit or excavation, the floor of the acetabulum is comparatively thin, and often translucent in the dried bone ; but it has no weight to bear, and merely protects the ligamentum teres and other soft parts. The articulating portion of the acetabulum is placed out-side or around the circular fovea ; but, like the rim of the socket itself, it is interrupted, opposite to the notch ; hence the articular portion of the acetabulum, which is in contact with the head of the femur, does not form a complete cup, but consists of a wide crescentic zone, or semilunar surface, smoothed for the encrusting articular cartilage, and intervening between the slightly roughened circular excavation and the rim of the socket ; its widest part is above, where the greatest weight has to be borne; the narrower parts of the crescent extend in front of and behind the notch, where little or no weight has to be supported.

 

FIG. 88. The Hip Joint seen from the front, and laid open, showing the acetabulum, the cotyloid ligament, and the ligamentum teres.

 

Quote p. 221

The head of the femur is connected directly with the bottom of the socket, by the ligamentum teres, or round ligament, fig. 88, which is unique, in the fact that it passes across the interior of the joint. It is not cord-like in shape, however, but triangular ; its narrower end is fixed to the double pit on the inner aspect of the head of the femur ; becoming flattened, it passes down, along a slight depression on the inner side of the head of the bone, fig . 90, and is attached by its base, which is divided into two parts, to the ischial and pubic margins of the notch of the acetabulum, blending with the ends of the transverse ligament. It is completely invested by a tubular prolongation of the synovial membrane. It is usually strong, but it differs much in thickness, in different individuals.

 

FIG. 90. Vertical section through the Hip Joint showing the structure of the bones the encrusting cartilage the ligamentum teres and the loose folded capsule.

 

Quote p. 223

Every movement of the head of the femur in the acetabulum, is reciprocated by an opposite movement of the innominate bone, and, therefore, of the entire pelvic girdle, on the head of the thigh-bone. Thus, the backward movement of the pelvis, performed in standing upright, is equivalent to extension, and the forward movement in stooping, to flexion of the thigh ; the inclination of the pelvis, outwards or inwards, corresponds to abduction or adduction, of the thigh ; whilst the swinging of the pelvis horizontally forwards or backwards, is equivalent to rotation of the thigh inwards or outwards. The ligamentum teres checks adduction of the thigh, or a sinking down of the pelvis upon the opposite side, and, possibly, also limits the reciprocal, horizontal rotatory movements of the femur and the pelvis on each other.

 


External links

Marshall J. Anatomy for artists; illustrated by two hundred original drawings by J.S. Cuthbert, engraved by J. and G. Nichols. London: Smith, Elder & Co, 1878.   archive.org , books.google 

Authors & Affiliations

John Marshall (1818-1891) was a English anatomist and surgeon, Professor of Anatomy at the Royal Academy. wellcomecollection.org


John Marshall. Photograph by G. Jerrard; original in the wellcomecollection.org (CC0 – Public Domain, no changes).

John S. Cuthbert (1844-1917) Illustrator of books.


Keywords

ligamentum capitis femoris, ligamentum teres, ligament of head of femur, anatomy, function, role, attachment

                                                                                                                  

NB! Fair practice / use: copied for the purposes of criticism, review, comment, research and private study in accordance with Copyright Laws of the US: 17 U.S.C. §107; Copyright Law of the EU: Dir. 2001/29/EC, art.5/3a,d; Copyright Law of the RU: ГК РФ ст.1274/1.1-2,7


BLOG CONTENT 

MORPHOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY

19th Century

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Test catalog of the LCF pathology

  Test catalog of the ligamentum capitis femoris pathology By Sergey V. Arkhipov, MD, PhD     CONTENT [i]   Abstract [ii]   Introduction [iii]   Testing in the supine position [iv]   Testing in a standing position [v]   Gait study [vi]   References [vii]   Application [i]   Abstract A description of tests for the detection and differential diagnosis of ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) pathology is presented. [ii]   Introduction One of the first studies devoted to the diagnosis of LCF injury demonstrated a variety of symptoms: groin pain, hip stiffness, sometimes long-standing minimal clinical findings, or signs similar to osteoarthritis (1997GrayA_VillarRN). More than a decade later, researchers concluded: "Unfortunately, there is no specific test for detecting LCF tears." The signs known at that time were nonspecific and were also observed in other intra-articular pathologies of the hip joint (2010CerezalL_Pérez-CarroL). The a...

Who, When, and Where Wrote the Book of Genesis?

  Who, When, and Where Wrote the Book of Genesis?  A Medical Hypothesis By Sergey V. Arkhipov, MD, PhD & Lyudmila N. Arkhipova, BSN     CONTENT [i]   Abstract [ii]   Introduction [iii]   Egyptian physician [iv]   Asian diviner [v]   Conclusion [vi]   References [vii]   Application [i]   Abstract The Book of Genesis is an example of an ancient literary text that contains important medical insights. We propose that it was written in northern Egypt in the late 17th century BCE, approximately ten years after the Minoan eruption. The protograph likely emerged from the collaboration between an Asiatic seer, who rose to the rank of an Egyptian official, and an Egyptian physician-encyclopedist. By refining its dating and authorship, this hypothesis positions Genesis as a credible source of medical and historical data, thereby enhancing its value for interdisciplinary research. [ii]   Introduction According to Rabbinic Judais...

2025ChenJH_AcklandD

  The article by Chen JH, Al’Khafaji I, Ernstbrunner L, O’Donnell J, Ackland D. Joint contact behavior in the native, ligamentum teres deficient and surgically reconstructed hip: A biomechanics study on the anatomically normal hip (2025). The authors experimentally demonstrated the role of the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) in unloading the upper sector of the acetabulum and the femoral head. The text in Russian is available at the following link: 2025ChenJH_AcklandD Joint contact behavior in the native, ligamentum teres deficient and surgically reconstructed hip: A biomechanics study on the anatomically normal hip By  Chen JH, Al’Khafaji I, Ernstbrunner L, O’Donnell J, Ackland D.     CONTENT [i]   Abstract [ii]   Introduction [iii]   Materials and methods [iv]   Results [v]   Discussion and Conclusion [vi]   References [vii]   Application [i]   Abstract Background The ligamentum teres is known to contribute to hip joint stab...

2025SrinivasanS_SakthivelS

The article by Srinivasan S, Verma S, Sakthivel S. Macromorphological Profile of Ligamentum Teres Femoris in Human Cadavers–A Descriptive Study (2025) is devoted to the morphology of ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) in the Indian population. The text in Russian is available at the following link: 2025SrinivasanS_SakthivelS . Macromorphological Profile of Ligamentum Teres Femoris in Human Cadavers–A Descriptive Study By  Srinivasan S, Verma S, Sakthivel S.   CONTENT [i]   Abstract [ii]   Introduction [iii]   Materials and Methods [iv]   Results and Discussion [v]   Conclusion [vi]   References [vii]   Application [i]   Abstract Introduction: The ligamentum teres femoris (LTF) is an intra-articular ligament extending from fossa of acetabulum to the head of femur and is triangular or pyramidal in shape. Recent literature supports its role as a secondary stabilizer of hip and increasing evidence supports reconstructive surgery following tear...

CRITICAL MASS OF CONSENSUS

Online version from 07/03/2025   Critical mass of consensus:  Opinions on the importance of ligamentum capitis femoris (XX-XXI century) Arkhipov S . V. Content [i]   Abstract [ii]   Opinions [iii]   Authors & Affiliations [iv]   References [v]   Appendices [i]   Abstract This evolving article collects views on the importance of the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) to the musculoskeletal system. Our collection aims to highlight the emerging fundamental shift in the current consensus in the orthopaedic and musculoskeletal research communities regarding the meaning of LCF. Here the convinced convince others. Ultimately, this once-unconventional idea will become established knowledge, enabling a transformation in clinicians’ thinking and in approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hip joint pathologies. [ii]   Opinions   2025 «The LT [LCF] works as a secondary static stabilizer of the hip by acting as a sling to preven...

2024StetzelbergerVM_TannastM

   Content [i]   Summary [ii]   Annotation [iii]   Illustrations and References [iv]   Source  &  links [v]   Notes [vi]   Authors & Affiliations [vii]   Keywords [i]   Summary Abstract of the article Stetzelberger VM, Nishimura H, Hollenbeck JF, Garcia A, Brown JR, Schwab JM, Philippon JM, Tannast M (2024). The authors found low ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) strength in patients with femoroacetabular impingement. A Russian translation is available at this link: 2024StetzelbergerVM_TannastM . [ii]   Annotation Background:  Intraarticular hip pain represents a substantial clinical challenge, with recent studies implicating lesions in the ligamentum teres as potential contributors. Even more so, damage to the ligamentum teres is particularly prevalent among young patients undergoing joint-preserving interventions. Although several studies have investigated the biomechanical attributes of the ligamentum teres,...

2024GillHS

  Content [i]   Annotation [ii]   Original text [iii]   Illustrations & References [iv]   Source  &  links [v]   Notes [vi]   Authors & Affiliations [vii]   Keywords [i]   Annotation Article by Gill HS. CORR Insights: How Strong Is the Ligamentum Teres of the Hip? A Biomechanical Analysis (2024). To clarify the role of ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF), the author recommends a combination of experimental studies with computer modeling. The text in Russian is available at the following link: 2024GillHS [ii]   Original text Where Are We Now? Hip preservation surgery has seen a rapid increase in usage over the last 15 years [10], in large part driven by the groundbreaking work of Ganz et al. [5], who described the association between femoroacetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis and who also developed effective methods of surgical dislocation that maintain the blood supply to the femoral head [4]. Arthroscopic met...

1996ChenHH_LeeMC

  Abstract of the article Chen HH, Li AF, Li KC, Wu JJ, Chen TS, Lee MC. Adaptations of ligamentum teres in ischemic necrosis of human femoral head (1996). The authors investigate the strength of the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF)  in avascular necrosis and femoral neck fracture.  The text in Russian is available at the following link: 1996ChenHH_LeeMC . Annotation   Little is known about the biomechanical properties of human ligamentum teres. To more fully understand the ligamentum teres, its dimensions and mechanical properties were measured in 22 cases of acute fracture of the femoral neck and 21 cases of ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. The specimens first were preconditioned and then loaded to failure with a testing machine at a fast strain rate of 100% s(-1). The ischemic necrosis group had a significantly larger volume (3.09 +/- 1.81 ml versus 1.30 +/- 0.62 ml) and cross section area (65.3 +/- 59.1 mm2 versus 30.6 +/- 27.2 mm2) than did the acute f...

2020ArkhipovSV_ProlyginaIV

  Ancient Textual Sources on Ligamentum Teres: Context and Transmission S.V. Arkhipov, I.V. Prolygina   KEYWORDS: ancient medicine; ancient traumatology; Galen; Hippocrates; hip joint; ligamentum capitis femoris; ligament of head of femur; ligamentum teres. SUMMARY Background. One of the least researched anatomical structures of the human body is the ligament of head of femur, most often referred to as ligamentum teres. The history of the nomination of this term, medical contexts of its use, the etymology and the first synonyms (Figure 1) are not sufficiently understood. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to present the most complete collection of evidence from ancient medical authors about the term ligamentum teres, trace the history of its nomination and analyze the gradual changes in the level of knowledge about the anatomy, mechanical and geometric properties of this structure, its pathology and treatment methods. Methods. The study is based on an inter...

Online Journal «ABOUT ROUND LIGAMENT OF FEMUR», October 2025

  The journal is dedicated to the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) and related topics   About the Journal   »»»                                                                                . The online journal  « About Round Ligament of  Femur »   was created based on the scientific blog of the same name. The resource is the English-language part of the project:  ONLINE JOURNAL:  Ligamentum capitis femoris .   Updates:  As new materials are prepared. Mission :   Popularization and preservation of knowledge about LCF, as well as promoting its practical application. Main goal:  Improvement of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the hip joint. Publisher:  Arkhipov S.V., independent researc...