Structure
The iliofemoral ligament is a notably strong ligament and is shaped like an inverted ‘Y.’ There are two parts to this ligament. The medial aspect is made up of a vertically oriented descending part, which is thick and attaches to the inferomedial aspect of the intertrochanteric line. The lateral aspect is made up of an obliquely oriented transverse part, which is attached to the superolateral aspect of the intertrochanteric line (Standring, 2016).
Anatomical Relations
The iliofemoral ligament lies anterior and superior to the articular capsule of the hip joint. Its apex is attached between the anterior inferior iliac spine and the rim of the acetabulum proximally, while the base is attached to the intertrochanteric line distally (Moore, Dalley and Agur, 2013).
Function
Collectively the ligaments of the hip joint contribute significantly to the stability, excursion, and capacity of the joint. Specifically, the iliofemoral ligament prevents hyperextension of the hip joint when standing (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.
