Histological morphology of ligamentum teres femoris in human cadavers

Background: Ligamentum teres femoris (LTF) has synovial layer, sub-synovial connective tissue and collagen bundles. LTF assists in preventing dislocation, provides mechanical stability to the hip with injury leading to joint pain and instability. The knowledge from histological structure may improve understanding of its structure and function.Materials and Methods: Forty-four limbs, average age 70.1 ± 8.2 years, were dissected. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Those with any damaged hip, signs of previous surgery, and disarticulated limbs were excluded. The ligament was absent in one, thus, 42 specimens (right-21; left-21) were used. Tissues from two ends, and centre were stained for H&E, Masson’s Trichrome, Verhoeff Van Gieson and Palmgren silver-stain. The number, diameter, and total luminal surface area of blood vessels, and number, and thickness of collagen bundles, and thickness of sub-synovial tissue were measured Image J.Results: Synovial layer covered ligament, and collagen bundles were seen in the core. Number of blood vessels, thickness of collagen bundles and sub-synovial tissue was significantly more in middle part. Average diameter of blood vessels was significantly more in distal part and luminal surface area was in proximal, and collagen bundles number in proximal. Difference in number, diameter, luminal area of blood vessels, and number of collagen bundles between right and left sides was not statistically significant.Conclusion: The findings support a potential nutritive role of the ligamental vessels to femur head. Nerve fibres identified in the sub-synovial area support its nociceptive role. Collagen bundles and elastic fibres suggest contribution to mechanical stability of hip joint.