Editorial Commentary: Chicken or the Egg? The Ligamentum Teres and Degenerative Hip Disease

Abstract

The ligamentum teres has traditionally been described as a vestigial remnant or redundant structure with little contribution to hip biomechanics or function. However, interest in the ligamentum teres has been renewed as evidence has emerged that it not only plays a role as a pain generator in the hip but also acts as a secondary stabilizer to supplement the work of the capsular ligaments. Furthermore, an association has been proposed between tearing of the ligamentum teres and the development of degenerative hip disease. However, the question remains, is it a cause-and-effect relationship?