Acetabular labrum
The acetabular labrum (glenoidal labrum of the hip joint or cotyloid ligament in older texts) is a fibrocartilaginous ring which surrounds the circumference of the acetabulum of the hip, deepening the acetabulum. The labrum is attached onto the bony rim and transverse acetabular ligament. It is triangular in cross-section (with the apex represented by the free margin).
| Acetabular labrum | |
|---|---|
Hip-joint, front view. The capsular ligament has been largely removed. (Cotyloid lig. visible at center.) | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | labrum acetabuli |
| TA98 | A03.6.07.008 |
| TA2 | 1880 |
| FMA | 43521 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The labrum contributes to the articular surface of the joint (increasing it by almost 10%). It embraces the femoral head, holding it firmly in the joint socket to stabilise the joint. It thus also seals the joint cavity, facilitating even distribution of synovial fluid so that friction is reduced and dissolved nutrients are better distributed.
The anterior portion of the labrum is most susceptible to tears.