Anatomic evaluation of the insertional footprints of the iliofemoral and ischiofemoral ligaments: a cadaveric study

BACKGROUND: An understanding of the insertional footprints of the capsular ligaments of the hip is important for preserving hip function and stability given the increasing number of minimally invasive hip surgeries being performed under a limited surgical view. However, it is difficult to detect these ligaments intraoperatively and many surgeons may not fully appreciate their complex anatomy. The aims of this study were to quantify the proximal and distal footprints of the iliofemoral ligament (ILFL) and ischiofemoral ligament (ISFL) and to estimate the location of the corresponding osseous landmarks on the proximal femur, which can be detected easily during surgery. METHODS: Twelve hip joints from Japanese fresh frozen cadavers were used. All muscle, fascia, nerve tissue, and vessels were removed to expose the intact capsular ligaments of the hip. The length and width of the proximal and distal footprints of the ILFL and ISFL were measured and their relationship to osseous structures was evaluated, including the intertrochanteric line, femoral neck, and lesser trochanter. RESULTS: The mean length of the distal medial arm of the ILFL footprint was 17.9 mm and the mean width was 9.0 mm. The mean length of the distal lateral arm of the ILFL footprint was 23.0 mm and the mean width was 9.7 mm. For the footprint of the medial arm, the insertion was in the distal third of the intertrochanteric line and that of the lateral arm was in the proximal 42% of this line. The mean distance from the lesser trochanter to the footprint of the medial arm was 24.6 mm. The mean length of the distal ISFL footprint was 11.3 mm and the mean width was 6.9 mm. The footprint of the distal ISFL was located forward of the femoral neck axis in all specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the size and location of each capsular ligament footprint in relation to an osseous landmark may help surgeons to manage the hip capsule intraoperatively even under a narrow surgical view. The findings of this study underscore the importance of recognizing that the distal ISFL footprint is located relatively forward and very close to the distal lateral arm footprint.