Partial Ligamentum Teres Tears Are Associated With Larger Acetabular Labra and Less Damage Than Complete Tears
Authors: Trenga AP, LaReau JM, Close MR, Domb BG
Journal: J Hip Preserv Surg. 2018 Dec 6;5(4):404-409.
DOI: 10.1093/jhps/hny044 | PMID: 30647932
Background
Ligamentum teres (LT) tears frequently co-exist with labral pathology. The relationship between LT tear severity and labral/cartilage damage has clinical implications.
Methods
Arthroscopic evaluation of 1,723 hips from 2010–2016. Labral width, and severity of LT, labral, and cartilage damage were graded.
Key Findings
- Grade 2 partial LT tears (50–99%) correlated with larger labra compared to grade 1 (<50%) and grade 3 (complete) tears.
- Complete LT tears were associated with greater labral and cartilage damage.
- Degenerative (complete) tears indicated more advanced joint pathology.
Conclusions
Partial LT tears correspond with better labral preservation and less cartilage damage than complete tears.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Recognize that partial LT tears may indicate a less advanced disease state and potentially more favorable surgical outcomes.
- Severity of LT tears can help stratify patients and guide surgical planning, including the need for more extensive labral or cartilage interventions.
- Careful intraoperative assessment of LT integrity may inform prognosis and postoperative expectations.