DOI: 10.32098/mltj_2026_6239

A systematic review of the ligamentum capitis femoris: embryology, anatomy, potential function, and absence

Authors

  • Glenn André Breivik Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland

glenna_grenby@hotmail.com

Keywords

Ligamentum capitis femoris, LCF, damage or absence of ligamentum capitis femoris, embryological and anatomical review of LCF, potential function of ligamentum capitis femoris

Abstract

Ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) is a robust ligament that connects the femoral head to the pelvis, and it derives from the mesenchymal cells. It is composed of dense, regular connective tissue and collagen. The evidence for its involvement in active hip joint motion is limited. The findings suggest that LCF stabilises the hip joint while also playing a role in preventing hypermobility. Its primary role is to prevent excessive motion of the hip joint rather than facilitate movements, as evidence for its involvement in active hip joint motion is limited. Specifically, the LCF restricts hip flexion, extension and lateral rotation, as studies indicate that individuals with an absent or torn LCF exhibit an increased range of motion compared to those with an intact LCF. Although a complete absence of LCF is rare, it is observed frequently in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A condition characterised by abnormal hip development in children. Absence of LCF may be unilateral or bilateral. In cases of unilateral absence, the limb with the LCF intact was often observed to maintain the normal robust strength despite the developmental abnormalities. Given that DDH affects the mesenchymal cell development, LCF is particularly susceptible to underdevelopment or absence due to its embryological origin. Damage to or absence of LCF may lead to microinstability of the hip joint, whereby the femoral head is not properly aligned within the acetabulum. Over time, persistent microinstability may result in more pronounced hip instability as the cartilage is challenged by the constant friction. This may cause increasing pain to the patient as a microinstability of the hip joint progresses to a more severe and loose state of the joint. Nevertheless, pain related to an LCF tear is particularly prevalent in athletes rather than in other groups. Athletes are at a higher risk of developing hip joint instability faster due to the high frequency of activity and extreme use of the hip joint.

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Published

2026-08-11

Issue

2026: LATEST ONLINE

How to Cite

1.
Breivik GA. A systematic review of the ligamentum capitis femoris: embryology, anatomy, potential function, and absence. MLTJ [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 11 [cited 2026 Nov. 4];16. Available from: https://mltj.online/index.php/mltj/article/view/6239