Abstract
Introduction:
The transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) antomy is not a well explored aspect of the hip joint with limited morphological description in the reviewed literature. It is often used as an anatomical landmark for orientation of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is debate as to whether it represents an appropriate guide to cup placement in THA. Present descriptions in orthopaedic literature conside it as a single plane structure to which the surgeon can align the cup. The aim of the current study was to investigate the morphology of the TAL and it was hypothesised that the current description of it being a plane would prove insufficient.
Materials and methods:
Seven dry bone hemi-pelves were reconstructed using a microscribe and rhinoceros 4.0 3D software to visualise attachment sites. Three hips from two female donors were dissected to expose the acetabulum and the TAL. This structure was removed and a footprint taken of its perimeter and attachment sites for measurement of ligament length, breadth and area of attachment from digital photographs. Finally, 3D models of the dissected acetabuli with an outline of the TAL and attachment sites were created as before.
Results:
The TAL extended beyond the acetabular notch, around the circumference of the acetabular rim. Two attachment sites were identified in each specimen, found at two sites in the superior half of the acetabular rim; one anterior and one posterior. In one specimen, an additional attachment site was identified on the posterior horn. TAL length in each specimen as measured from 2D digital photographs were 132 mm, 117 mm and 179 mm, with attachment areas of 215 mm2, 150 mm2 and 350 mm2, respectively. There was marked variation in ligament breadth both between and within individual specimens, ranging from 2.6 to 5.3mm in the smallest specimen and 3.2 to 6.3mm in the largest specimen. The whole structure as one does not conform to be a plane of orientation.
Discussion:
Contrary to previous literature assumption, the TAL extended far beyond the acetabular notch. Likewise, its attachment sites were found further round the acetabular rim than previously described. The unexpected breadth may explain the disagreement between studies looking at the structure as an anatomical plane. Further biomechanical research may determine which part – if any – of the ligament, should the acetabular component be orientated to. The details will be presented in the paper.
