Structure
The triangular pubofemoral ligament lies anterior and inferior to the articular capsule of the hip joint. It base originates from the obturator crest, iliopubic eminence, and superior ramus of the pubic bone. It courses laterally and inferiorly to coalesce with the fibrous layer of the articular capsule of the hip joint and the descending part of the iliofemoral ligament (Moore, Dalley and Agur, 2013; Standring, 2016).
Function
Collectively the ligaments of the hip joint contribute significantly to the stability, excursion, and capacity of the joint. Specifically, the pubofemoral ligament tightens during extension and abduction of the hip joint and prevents hyperabduction (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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Joint Ligament
Laxity of the TMJ ligaments → hypotonus of the temporal and masseter muscles → dropping of the jaw.
