Name: Syeda Ishmal Zahra

Sap:57287
Section: B

Question:
Write a note on the ligament of a hip joint and lower limp, along with
its clinically relevance?
Answer:

Ligaments:
Ligaments are tough bands of connective tissue that act like ropes throughout the body. Their
main function is to connect bones and most often joints. The hip joint and lower limb rely on a
complex network of ligaments to provide stability and limit excessive movement.

Hip Ligaments:
Hip ligament injuries are tears or sprains to the tough, fibrous bands of tissue that connect the
bones of the hip joint. These ligaments provide stability to the joint and limit excessive
movement.
There are three main ligaments surrounding the hip joint:

 The Iliofemoral ligament(Y ligament of Bigelow) is the strongest ligament in the body.
It runs from the pelvis to the femur and restricts hyperextension (backward movement) of
the hip. A tear can cause instability and pain in the groin or buttock.

Clinical Relevance: Injury to the iliofemoral ligament can occur in traumatic events such as car
accidents or falls. A complete tear can lead to hip instability and an increased risk of dislocation.

 The Pubofemoral ligament is located anteriorly (front) of the hip joint. It limits excessive hip
abduction (spreading legs) and extension. Tears can occur in forceful movements like high kicks
and can cause pain in the groin and inner thigh.

Clinical Relevance: Tears or laxity in the pubofemoral ligament can contribute to hip
instability, particularly in ac requiring sudden changes in direction or forceful movements.
 The Ischiofemoral ligament is situated posteriorly (back) of the hip joint. It restricts
hyperextension of the hip. Tears are less common but can happen during forceful hip extension
and can cause pain in the buttocks and hamstring.

Clinical Relevance: Injury to the ischiofemoral ligament can occur in activities that involve
extreme hip rotation or trauma. Dysfunction of this ligament may lead to decreased stability and
increased risk of hip dislocation.

 Ligamentum Teres: Although relatively small, this ligament attaches the femoral head to the
acetabulum. It carries a small artery that supplies blood to the femoral head and also helps
stabilize the hip joint.

Clinical Relevance: While it is not a primary stabilizer of the hip joint, injuries to the
Ligamentum teres can occur, leading to hip pain and instability, especially in young athletes
or individuals with repetitive hip motions.
Causes of Hip Ligament Injuries
Hip ligament injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

 Sudden falls or impacts on the hip

 Overuse from repetitive activities, such as running or dancing
 Awkward twisting or pivoting motions
 Muscle weakness or imbalance around the hip joint
 Tightness in the hip flexors

Symptoms of Hip Ligament Injuries

The symptoms of a hip ligament injury can vary depending on the severity of the tear. Common
symptoms include:

 Pain in the groin, buttock, or thigh

 Difficulty walking, running, or climbing stairs
 Bruising or swelling around the hip
 Hip instability or weakness
 A popping or snapping sensation in the hip
Lower Limb Ligaments:
1. Knee Ligaments:

 Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL):

o Function: The ACL prevents the tibia (shinbone) from sliding forward
excessively relative to the femur (thigh bone) during knee flexion and rotation.
o Clinical Relevance: ACL tears are a common sports injury, particularly in
activities with sudden stops, pivots, or jumping. A torn ACL can cause significant
instability, especially when rotating the knee or changing direction. This can lead
to pain, difficulty walking, and an increased risk of further knee injuries like
meniscus tears.

 Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL):

o Function: The PCL prevents the tibia from sliding backward excessively relative
to the femur during knee extension.
o Clinical Relevance: PCL tears are less frequent than ACL tears but can still
cause instability, particularly when flexing the knee with weight-bearing. This can
lead to pain, difficulty walking downhill, and a sensation of the knee giving way.
 Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL):
o Function: The MCL limits excessive inward (valgus) angulation of the knee
joint.
o Clinical Relevance: MCL sprains are the most common knee ligament injury,
often caused by a direct blow to the outer side of the knee. They can cause pain,
swelling, and instability, but usually heal well with conservative treatment like
bracing and physical therapy.
 Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL):
o Function: The LCL limits excessive outward (varus) angulation of the knee joint.
o Clinical Relevance: LCL sprains are less common than MCL sprains and
typically occur due to a blow to the inner side of the knee. They can cause pain,
swelling, and difficulty controlling side-to-side movement of the knee.
2. Tibiofibular Ligaments:

 Function: These ligaments connect the tibia and fibula (shin bones), acting as a
stabilizing unit for the lower leg. They allow for some gliding movement between the
bones but prevent excessive separation or rotation.
o Anterior Tibiofibular Ligament (ATFL): Limits excessive forward translation
of the fibula relative to the tibia.
o Posterior Tibiofibular Ligament (PTFL): Limits excessive backward
translation of the fibula relative to the tibia.
o Interosseous Tibiofibular Ligament: Provides overall stability and connects the
shafts of the tibia and fibula.

 Clinical Relevance: Tears of the tibiofibular ligaments can cause ankle pain and
instability, particularly during activities that involve twisting or rolling the ankle. They
can also lead to pain on the outside of the lower leg. Depending on the specific ligament
injured, there might be abnormal movement patterns in the ankle joint, potentially
affecting gait and balance.

3. Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligaments of the Ankle:

 Function:
o Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL of the ankle, also known as the Deltoid
Ligament): This ligament complex limits excessive inward (inversion) movement
of the ankle joint.
o Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex (LCL of the ankle): This consists of
three ligaments (anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, and
posterior talofibular ligament) and limits excessive outward (eversion) movement
of the ankle joint.
 Clinical Relevance: Sprains of these ligaments, particularly the lateral collateral
ligament complex, are very common ankle injuries, often caused by a rolled ankle. They
can cause significant pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Depending on the
severity of the sprain, there might be varying degrees of instability, affecting balance and
increasing the risk of future sprains.