Iliofemoral Ligament

Description

Arising from the anterior inferior iliac spine and the adjacent acetabular rim, the iliofemoral ligament fans inferiorly and laterally to insert along the intertrochanteric line of the proximal femur, blending with the anterior fibrous capsule of the hip joint. Its superior and inferior bands frame the anterior aspect of the femoral neck, sitting deep to the iliopsoas tendon as it courses toward the lesser trochanter. Surrounding bony landmarks likely include the iliac crest and pubic body medially, the acetabulum laterally, and the femoral head seated within the lunate surface. Lumbar vertebrae and the upper sacrum provide proximal context above the pelvic ring, while gluteal musculature occupies the posterolateral hip. Functionally, this anterior capsular thickening is the primary passive restraint to hip extension and excessive external rotation in standing. It matters in anterior hip pain because tightness of the anterior capsule and iliopsoas can mimic intra-articular pathology, while laxity can contribute to microinstability in patients with borderline dysplasia or after capsulotomy. A common surgical landmark. The iliofemoral ligament also guides safe positioning during anterior approaches to the hip and helps explain why a posterior hip dislocation occurs more readily with flexion, adduction, and internal rotation than an anterior dislocation does with extension. Orthopedic teaching sets use this view to orient learners to the relationship between the hip capsule, the intertrochanteric line, and anterior stabilizers during total hip arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy, and capsular repair planning. Anatomy and biomechanics courses can pair it with gait and posture modules to illustrate how the ligament supports upright stance with minimal muscular effort. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.