The Ligamentum Teres is a crucial hip ligament that contains its own artery to supply blood to the femur.

The Ligamentum Teres, also known as the ligament of the head of the femur, is a triangular band that connects the femoral head to the acetabulum of the pelvis. Historically, surgeons viewed it as a vestigial structure because it can be torn without causing immediate joint failure. However, research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has highlighted its critical role in hip stability and blood supply.One of its most important features is the foveal artery, a branch of the posterior division of the obturator artery. In children and adolescents, this artery provides the primary blood supply to the epiphysis of the femoral head. If this supply is disrupted, it can lead to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a condition where the bone begins to die due to lack of blood. This makes the ligament indispensable during the formative years of human development.In adults, while the blood supply role diminishes, the ligament remains a powerful mechanical stabilizer. It becomes particularly tight when the hip is placed in flexion and external rotation, such as during deep squats or martial arts kicks. Modern arthroscopic studies have shown that tears in this ligament are a common cause of persistent groin pain in athletes. These injuries were often missed in the past but are now frequently diagnosed using high-resolution 3-Tesla MRI scans.