The transverse acetabular ligament bridges the acetabular notch at the inferior acetabulum, converting the notch from an open deficiency to a foramen that transmits the acetabular branch vessels to the femoral head. It also provides the inferior anchor for the acetabular labrum. The ligamentum teres attaches to the transverse acetabular ligament at the acetabular notch. During hip arthroscopy, the transverse acetabular ligament is a key landmark orienting the surgeon to the acetabular clock face.
| Origin | Both acetabular rim edges across the acetabular notch |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Bridges the inferior acetabular notch converting it to a foramen for the acetabular vessels |
| Actions | Completes the inferior acetabular rim; anchors the labrum inferiorly; allows passage of the acetabular vessels |
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The transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) is the primary orientation landmark in hip arthroscopy — the surgeon first identifies the TAL at the inferior acetabular rim to establish the 6 o'clock position on the acetabular clock. The labrum-TAL junction at the inferior acetabulum is a common location for labral tears. The TAL itself can cause impingement in patients with acetabular version abnormalities.
TAL impingement against the femoral head in acetabular dysplasia or version abnormality causing hip pain managed with periacetabular osteotomy correction.
