Skip to main content

1840HarrisonR

 

Content



[i] Annotation

Fragment from the book: Harrison R. The Dublin Dissector, Or Manual of Anatomy: Comprising a Description of the Bones, Muscles, Vessels, Nerves, and Viscera; Also the Relative Anatomy of the Different Regions of the Human Body, Together with the Elements of Pathology (1840). The author describes the anatomy, topography, dimensions, attachment, and role of the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF), and discusses its injury in hip dislocations. The text in Russian is available at the following link: 1840HarrisonR.


Quote pp. 518-521. 

The cotyloid ligament may be next noticed, this is the fibro-cartilaginous lip which deepens the acetabulum, and at the same time narrows its orifice, so as to hold or retain the head of the femur even after the capsular ligament and all the muscles have been divided; it is composed of strong circular fibres, these pass in deeper in those particular situations where the acetabulum in infancy was separable into three parts; it serves to deepen the cavity, and to prevent the neck of the femur striking against the sharp edge of the cavity.

Transverse ligament consists of ligamentous bands, which pass across the notch in the border of the acetabulum, some pass from the pubis to the ischium, others decussate these and pass from ischium to pubis; it completes the margin of the cavity and leaves sufficient space above it for the passage of vessels and nerves.

Inter-articular ligament, or ligamentum teres, is about an inch and a half in length [38.1 mm.], it consists of fine ligamentous fibres covered rather loosely by synovial membrane; though called round, it is rather of a triangular form, the base attached to the notch and to the depression in the acetabulum, the apex to the head of the femur; it arises by two flat bands, the superior of which is the smaller, from the margins of the cotyloid notch, these soon unite being enveloped by the synovial membrane, the ligament then runs upwards, backwards and outwards, contracting in size, between the articular fatty mass and the head of the bone, into the depression on which it is inserted.

[This ligament is frequently described incorrectly. By one extremity it is attached to the depression on the head of the femur, towards the other it divides into two roots; of which one may be traced around the lower edge of the cotyloid notch, until it is finally lost upon the face of the ischium, between its tuberosity and the edge of the acetabulum; the other root may be traced to the upper end of the notch, where it is lost near the edge of the acetabulum; hence this ligament is not necessarily torn off in the dislocation of the femur, into the obturator foramen, for in this displacement the two extremities of the ligament are approximated.]

This ligament is very rarely wanting, it serves to conduct blood-vessels from the acetabulum to the head and neck of the femur, which from its position in respect to the shaft of the bone, may require a nutritious supply from this source; some consider it may also limit too much abduction of the thigh. This joint enjoys free motion in every direction, flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation and circumduction; the depth of the acetabulum, the strength of its capsular ligament, together with the surrounding muscles, all seem well adapted to prevent luxation, such accidents, however, not unfrequently occur.

This joint is not so liable to dislocation as that of the shoulder for several reasons; in the first place, its motions are much more limited both in number and extent; second, the glenoid cavity affords little mechanical security, while the cotyloid on the contrary permits the head of the femur to sink into it; third, the oblique direction also of the head of the thigh bone presents an additional obstacle; fourth, the capsular ligament of this joint is much stronger and shorter than that of the shoulder, and it is further protected by very strong accessory fibres on the outer and upper part, which descend from the inferior anterior spine of the ilium, and by some on the inner side from the superior part of the foramen ovale.

The joint of the hip may be dislocated in four ways, backwards and upwards on the dorsum of the ilium, backwards on the ischiatic notch, forwards and upwards on the pubes, and forwards and downwards on the foramen obturatorium.

[One case has occurred of a dislocation of the femur into the perineum; this was probably a secondary displacement, supervening upon a primary dislocation into the obturator foramen. This case has never been published, but the minutes of it, are in the possession of Dr. Parker, Prof. of Surgery in the college.]

The situation of the trochanter major is a point of great importance in discriminating accidents about the hip joint, and its relation to some other prominent points should be well kept in mind; in the erect position of the body, the superior part of the trochanter major is nearly on the same level with the body of the pubes, the distance between the anterior superior spine of the ilium and the trochanter major is less than from this projection to the os pubis, or from the os pubis to the anterior superior spine, lines connecting these three points will form nearly a right angled triangie, angle, of which the longest side is the line connecting the superior spine to the pubis, and the shortest, that which joins the spine to the trochanter. In dislocation upwards or backwards the trochanter is brought nearer the superior anterior spine of the ilium, but is much less prominent than natural: in the luxation backward it is removed from the body of the pubis, and is also less prominent than natural in the dislocation into the obturator foramen, the distance between the trochanter major and the body of the pubis is lessened, while that between this process and the anterior superior spine is greater than usual.

In dislocation upwards and backwards, which is by far the most frequent, the head of the bone rests on the dorsum of the ilium, the upper part of the capsular ligament is ruptured, and the accessory and round ligamen ligaments are torn: the limb is shortened about two inches, and is inverted and almost fixed. In rotation inwards the head of the femur is pressed against the back part of the capsular ligament, and if the rotation be carried far, a considerable portion of the bone is outside the cotyloid cavity: hence the species of dislocation now described is most likely to occur when rotation inwards is accompanied by external violence, that is by the individual falling or receiving a blow when the knee and foot are turned inwards. When this dislocation has occurred the three glutæi muscles are those principally concerned in keeping the head of the bone fixed on the dorsum of the ilium; but when the limb has been extended and the head of the bone is sufficiently raised to pass over the edge of the acetabulum, the psoas and iliacus with the obturator externus and pectinalis, will assist to bring it into the proper situation. Although in common cases of dislocation we may presume, from the rapid recovery of the patient, that no other injury is done to the joint than what has been already described, yet the dissection of a case of luxation upwards and backwards has been published, in which the gemelli, pyriformis, obturators, and quadratus femoris, were completely torn across, with laceration of some fibres of the pectinalis

In the dislocation backwards, and which is also a little upwards, or that into the ischiatic notch, the head of the bone rests on the pyriformis muscle and between it and the sciatic ligaments, the limb is a little shortened, it is also inverted, but much less so than in the dislocation on the dorsum of the ilium. This dislocation also is most likely to happen when the thigh is rotated inwards and bent towards the abdomen.

When the femur is dislocated forwards on the obturator foramen, the capsular ligament and the internal accessory fibres are lacerated. The ligamentum teres is, according to Sir A. Cooper, always ruptured: the limb is lengthened about two inches, the knee advanced and abducted with slight eversion, the great trochanter is much less prominent than usual.

In dislocation upwards and forwards the head of the bone rests on the ramus of the pubis under Poupart's ligament, where it may be plainly felt; the limb is shortened, slightly flexed, and everted.

A calculation has been made, that out of twenty dislocations of the hip joint, twelve will take place on the dorsum ilii, five on the ischiatic notch, two on the foramen ovale, and one on the pubis. 

 

Harrison R. The Dublin Dissector, Or Manual of Anatomy: Comprising a Description of the Bones, Muscles, Vessels, Nerves, and Viscera; Also the Relative Anatomy of the Different Regions of the Human Body, Together with the Elements of Pathology. New York: J. & HG Langley, 1840. books.google


The work is cited in the following publications: 1848HarrisonR.


Robert Harrison (1796-1858He was appointed Demonstrator of Anatomy in the College School in 1817 and Professor of Anatomy and Physiology on August 4th, 1827. He became Professor of Anatomy and Chirurgery in the School of Physic at Trinity College, Dublin, in 1887livesonline.rcseng.ac.uk , collections.nlm.nih.gov


ligamentum capitis femoris, ligamentum teres, ligament of head of femur, anatomy, properties, role, pathology, dislocation



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

                                                                   

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

NEWS 2026

New publications of our resource   in 2026 The initial phase of collecting data on LCF, accumulated prior to the 20th century, is largely complete. Next, we plan to analyze and synthesize thematic information, adding data from the 20th and 21st centuries. The work will focus primarily on: prevention, diagnosis, arthroscopy, plastic surgery, and endoprosthetics.  January 05, 2026 2018YoussefAO The article describes a method for transposition of the proximal attachment of the LCF in congenital hip dislocation.   2007WengerD_OkaetR The authors demonstrated in the experiment that the strength of the LCF is sufficient to ensure early stability during hip joint reconstruction in children. January 04, 2026 2008 BacheCE _TorodeIP The article describes a method for transposition of the proximal attachment of the LCF in congenital hip dislocation .  2021PaezC_WengerDR The ar ticle analyzes the results of open reconstruction of LCF in dysplasia.   2008DoddsMK...

IMPROVING POSTOPERATIVE COMFORT...

  Enhancing  Posto perative Comfort and Increasing the Reliability of Hip Prostheses by Supplementing with Artificial Ligaments: Proof of Concept and Prototype Demonstration S.V. Arkhipov, Independent Researcher, Joensuu, Finland       CONTENT [i]   Abstract [ii]   Introduction [iii]   Materials and Methods [iv]   Results and Discussion [v]   Static Tests [vi]   Dynamic Tests [vii]   Prototype Fabrication and Testing [viii]   Conclusion [ix]   References [x]   Application [i]   Abstract The principle of operation of an experimental total hip endoprosthesis augmented with ligament analogs has been demonstrated in single-leg vertical stances and at the mid-stance phase of the single-support period of gait. The experiments were conducted on a specially designed mechatronic testing rig. The concept of the important role of the ligamentous apparatus is further illustrated by a set of demonstrative mechanical mode...

1970MichaelsG_MatlesAL

  Content [i]   Annotation [ii]   Original text [iii]   References [iv]   Source  &  links [v]   Notes [vi]   Authors & Affiliations [vii]   Keywords [i]   Annotation Abstract of the article: Michaels G, Matles AL. The role of the ligamentum teres in congenital dislocation of the hip (1970). The authors proposed an analogy for the role of the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) as a “ball and chain control” and noted that it can spontaneously reduce congenital hip dislocation. The text in Russian is available at the following link: 1970MichaelsG_MatlesAL . [ii]   Original text Quote p. 199 Many papers in the literature have implicated the ligamentum teres as a hindrance to the late open reduction of a congenitally dislocated hip. Occasionally the ligamentum teres has been reported to be absent. However, in most cases it is hypertrophied and elongated. Our present knowledge confirms the fact that congenital dislocation of t...

2008WengerDR_MiyanjiF

  Article: Wenger DR et al. Ligamentum teres maintenance and transfer as a stabilizer in open reduction for pediatric hip dislocation: surgical technique and early clinical results (2008). The article describes a method of open reconstruction of the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) for hip dysplasia. The text in Russian is available at the following link: 2008WengerDR_MiyanjiF . Ligamentum teres maintenance and transfer as a stabilizer in open reduction for pediatric hip dislocation: surgical technique and early clinical results   Wenger DR, Mubarak SJ, Henderson PC, Miyanji F   CONTENT [i]   Abstract [ii]   Introduction [iii]   Materials and Methods [iv]   Surgical technique & Results [v]   Discussion & Conclusion [vi]   References [vii]   Application [i]   Abstract Purpose The ligamentum teres has primarily been considered as an obstruction to reduction in children with developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH). In the ea...

Catalog. Classifications of LCF Pathology

  The classifications are intended to systematize of ligamentum capitis femoris pathology and assist in the development of general approaches to its description, registration, analysis and treatment.   Keywords ligamentum capitis femoris, ligamentum teres, ligament of head of femur, hip joint, histology, pathological anatomy, pathology, trauma INTRODUCTION In Russia, the initial attempts to classify pathology of the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) were made by morphologists. The development of arthroscopic surgery has made it possible to identify various, previously undescribed types of LCF pathology, which prompted the development of various modern classifications based on intraoperative observations. Analysis of literature data and our own morphological observations allowed us to propose a General Classification of the Ligamentum Teres Pathology, which has the form of a collection of classifiers, as well as a Classification of Functions of the Ligamentum Teres. The ...

11th-15th Century

   11th-15th Century Catalog of archived publications of the specified period        11th century 976-1115Theophilus Protospatharius  The author writes about the  normal anatomy of the LCF and its connective function. 1012-1024Avicenna   The author writes about the localization and  variant of the pathology LCF, leading to hip dislocation. 1039-1065Giorgi Mtatsmindeli   The translator mentions the LCF damage, and notes its presence in animals. 12 th century 1120-1140Judah Halevi   The author mentions LCF (גיד) of mammals. 1176-1178(a)Rambam  The author mentions the pathology of LCF (גיד) in humans and points out the presence of this structure in animals. 1176-1178(b)Rambam  The author writes about the localization of LCF (גיד) ) and distinguishes it from a tendon,   blood vessel or nerve. 1185-1235David Kimchi  The author writes about the localization, purpose, and injury of the LCF (גיד), and also talks abo...

LCF in 2025 (June)

  LCF in 2025 ( June )   (Quotes from articles and books published in June 2025 mentioning the ligamentum capitis femoris)   Kuhns, B. D., Kahana-Rojkind, A. H., Quesada-Jimenez, R., McCarroll, T. R., Kingham, Y. E., Strok, M. J., ... & Domb, B. G. (2025). Evaluating a semiquantitative magnetic resonance imaging-based scoring system to predict hip preservation or arthroplasty in patients with an intact preoperative joint space.  Journal of Hip Preservation Surgery , hnaf027.    [i]     academic.oup.com   Iglesias, C.  J. B., García, B. E. C., & Valarezo, J. P. P. (2025) CONTROLLED GANZ DISLOCATION.   EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) - Peer Reviewed Journal. 11(5)1410-13. DOI: 10.36713/epra2013    [ii]       researchgate.net   Guimarães, J. B., Arruda, P. H., Cerezal, L., Ratti, M. A., Cruz, I. A., Morimoto, L. R., ... & Ormond Filho, A. G. (2025). Hip Microins...

190-230Mishnah Chullin

  Tractate Mishnah Chullin was written between about 190 - 230 in Israel and discuss laws related to consumption of meat. The selected quotes talk about the presence of ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) in different animals, its location and distal attachment site. See our commentary at the link: 190-230Mishnah Chullin [Rus]. Quote 1. [Heb] Mishnah Chullin 7:1 (original source:  sefaria.org ) Quote 2. [Heb] Mishnah Chullin 7:2 (original source:  sefaria.org ) Quote 3. [Heb] Mishnah Chullin 7:3 (original source:  sefaria.org ) Quote 4. [Heb] Mishnah Chullin 7:4 (original source:  sefaria.org ) Quote 5. [Heb] Mishnah Chullin 7:5 (original source:  sefaria.org ) Quote 6. [Heb] Mishnah Chullin 7:6 (original source:  sefaria.org ) Translation Quote 1. [Eng] Mishnah Chullin 7:1 The prohibition of eating the sciatic nerve applies both in Eretz Yisrael and outside of Eretz Yisrael, in the presence of, i.e., the time of, the Temple and not in the presence of th...

1176-1178(a)Rambam

  Fragments from the book Rambam. Mishneh Torah. Sefer Shofetim, Negative Mitzvot (1176-1178). The treatise Mishneh Torah – legal code, work of Jewish law, its parts Sefer Shofetim (Kings and Wars) and Negative Mitzvot ( Negative Commandments ) was written between about 1176-1178 years in Egypt ( 1sefaria.org , 2sefaria.org ). The author mentions the pathology of ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF, גיד) in humans and points out the presence of this structure in animals.  See our commentary at the link:   1176-1178(a)Rambam [Rus]. Quote 1. [Heb] Mishneh Torah. Sefer Shofetim, 9.1 (original source:  sefaria.org ) Quote 2. [Heb] Mishneh Torah. Negative Mitzvot, 183 (original source:  sefaria.org ) Translation Quote 1. [Eng] Mishneh Torah. Laws of Kings and Wars (The Book of Judges ) , 9.1-3 9.1 Adam, the first man, was commanded with six commandments: 1) idolatry, 2) “blessing” (euphemistically) the Name (of G-d), 3) murder, 4) illicit sexual relations, 5) thievery...

The author is looking for a laboratory to continue his research

  The author is looking for a laboratory to continue his research.   Areas for cooperation: - pathogenesis and prevention of coxarthrosis - arthroscopy of the hip joint - hip arthroplasty - reconstruction of the hip joint ligaments - biomechanics of postures and locomotion - classification of ligament pathology - remote diagnostics of hip joint ligament pathology   Email: archipovsv@gmail.com Briefly about Sergey Arkhipov Bibliography Experimental material Blog [Rus] Blog [Eng] ResearchGate ORCID Twitter / Х Academia.edu BLOG CONTENT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS