Structure
The ischiofemoral ligament is a relatively weak ligament that adds to the bulk of the posterior aspect of the joint capsule. Some of its fibers coalesce with the zona orbicularis (Standring, 2016).
Anatomical Relations
The ischiofemoral ligament lies posterior to the articular capsule of the hip joint. It originates from the ischial part of the acetabular rim. It passes superolaterally in a spiral orientation over the posterior aspect of the neck of the femur. Distally, it attaches to the greater trochanter, deep to the iliofemoral ligament (Standring, 2016).
Function
Collectively the ligaments of the hip joint contribute significantly to the stability, excursion, and capacity of the joint. Specifically, the ischiofemoral ligament is the weakest of the hip ligaments (Moore, Dalley and Agur, 2013).
List of Clinical Correlates
—Hip joint effusion
—Hip fractures and dislocation
—Congenital dislocation of the hip
References
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. M. R. (2013) Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edn.: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
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