The pubofemoral ligament reinforces the inferior and anteromedial hip capsule from the pubic ramus to the inferior femoral neck. It becomes taut with hip hyperabduction — a position of vulnerability for inferior hip dislocation. Combined with the iliofemoral ligament, it completes the anterior and inferior hip capsular support system. The pubofemoral ligament is released during hip arthroscopy to access the anteromedial peripheral compartment.
| Origin | Iliopubic eminence, superior pubic ramus, and obturator crest |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Inferior femoral neck and lesser trochanter region — reinforces the inferior hip capsule |
| Actions | Resists hip hyperabduction and external rotation in abduction; the inferior hip capsular reinforcement |
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Pubofemoral ligament release is performed as part of complete hip capsular release in arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI with restricted range of motion. Excessive release of the pubofemoral ligament can produce inferior hip microinstability — a recognised complication of overaggressive capsular release in hypermobile patients.
Pubofemoral ligament over-release during hip arthroscopy producing inferior hip microinstability managed with capsular plication.
