Risk factors for ligamentum teres tears
Authors
Domb BG, Martin DE, Botser IB
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2012.07.009
Purpose
To investigate how acetabular bone shape and patient age relate to nontraumatic ligamentum teres (LT) tears.
Methods
Radiographic measurements of acetabular anatomy and arthroscopic LT evaluation in 463 hips. Patients grouped by lateral coverage index (LCI) of the acetabulum.
Key Findings
- 49% of hips had LT tears.
- Patients with LT tears were older (avg 38 vs 33 years).
- Hips with less acetabular coverage (low LCI) were 1.74 times more likely to have LT tears.
- LT tears were less common with acetabular retroversion and in patients under 30.
Conclusion
LT tears are associated with specific bony hip shapes and age. Undercoverage may contribute to LT injury and possibly microinstability of the hip.
What this means for patients
If your hip socket does not cover the ball well (undercoverage), you may be at higher risk for ligament tears inside the hip, especially as you age.