The fovea capitis is a small pit just below and behind the centre of the femoral head that is not covered by articular cartilage. It is the attachment of the ligament of the head of the femur (ligamentum teres), which carries a small branch of the obturator artery to the head.
| Articulations |
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|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Lies within the femoral head epiphysis, which ossifies from a secondary centre appearing at about 4-6 months after birth. |
The artery of the ligamentum teres contributes significantly to femoral head blood supply only in children and in a minority of adults. Tears of the ligamentum teres are recognised at hip arthroscopy as a cause of hip pain. In hip dislocation the ligament ruptures, and the fovea can be avulsed with a fragment of the head (Pipkin fracture).
Partial or complete tear of the ligament at the fovea from twisting or dislocation, causing deep groin pain and catching.
A shear fracture of the femoral head during posterior hip dislocation, often involving the fragment bearing the fovea.
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