Iliofemoral Ligament at Thigh Level

ligamentum iliofemorale (pars femoralis)

The distal portion of the Y-ligament of Bigelow (iliofemoral ligament) attaches to the intertrochanteric line of the femur, forming the primary anterior hip capsular restraint at the thigh level. Its two limbs — superior (iliotrochanteric) and inferior (pubocapsular) — converge at this femoral attachment.

Region: Thigh

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Limits hip extension and external rotation at the thigh level; the femoral attachment is the distal anchor of the primary anterior hip stabiliser.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The femoral attachment of the iliofemoral ligament at the intertrochanteric line is released during hip arthroplasty anterior approaches and in hip arthroscopy capsulotomy. Over-release of this ligament contributes to post-operative hip instability following FAI surgery. Its femoral insertion is reconstructed in open hip stabilisation procedures for dysplastic hips.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Anterior Hip Capsule Deficiency from Iliofemoral Over-Release

Anterior hip instability and microinstability from excessive capsular release at the iliofemoral ligament femoral attachment during FAI surgery, producing anterior groin pain in extension managed by arthroscopic capsular plication.