What is the role of the ligamentum teres at the hip joint?

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ANS:
The ligamentum teres (or ligament of the head of the femur) arises from the acetabular notch and the transverse acetabular ligament and enters the acetabulum to attach to the fovea capitis of the femur. It varies tremendously in strength among individuals but does not appear to contribute much to hip joint stability. It serves primarily as the pathway for a small branch of the obturator artery, which supplies a small amount of blood directly to the femoral head. Most of the blood supply to the femoral head is obtained through the circumflex arteries, which enter at the trochanters and cross the neck to the head. However, while the capital epiphyseal plate persists or prior to anastomosis between the obturator and circumflex supplies, the blood from the circumflex cannot reach the head. Therefore, the head of the femur in the skeletally immature person is very dependent upon the vessel accompanying the ligamentum teres. Disruption can result in avascular necrosis of the head.