Risk Factors for Ligamentum Teres Tears
Authors: Domb BG, Martin DE, Botser IB
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2012.07.009
Purpose
To investigate the association between acetabular bone morphology, patient age, and incidence of nontraumatic ligamentum teres (LT) tears.
Methods
Radiographic evaluation of acetabular anatomy and arthroscopic assessment of LT in 463 hips, stratified by lateral coverage index (LCI).
Key Findings
- LT tears found in 49% of hips examined.
- Patients with LT tears were on average older (38 vs 33 years).
- Reduced acetabular coverage (low LCI) increased odds of LT tear by 1.74 times.
- LT tears less common in acetabular retroversion and younger (<30 years) patients.
Conclusion
LT tears are associated with specific hip bony morphologies and increasing age. Undercoverage of the acetabulum may predispose to LT injury and hip microinstability.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Providers should consider acetabular coverage and patient age as important factors when evaluating LT pathology.
- Recognition of undercoverage and microinstability may guide surgical decision-making, including potential LT reconstruction.
- Patient counseling should address risk of LT injury related to bony morphology and age, influencing surveillance and treatment plans.