BACK OF THE THIGH 253 



portions of the capsule, with more or less distinct attach- 

 ments, are described under special names. These are : 



1. Ilio-femoral. 3. Ischio-capsular. 



2. Pubo-capsular. 4. The zonular band. 



The ligamentum iliofemorale (ilia-femoral ligament} is placed 

 over the front of the articulation, and constitutes the thickest 

 and most powerful part of the capsule. It springs from the 

 anterior inferior spine of the ilium, and from a depressed 

 surface on the bone immediately to the lateral side of the spine. 

 As it proceeds distally and laterally, it divides into two 

 limbs, which diverge slightly from each other. The more lateral 

 portion is implanted into the proximal part of the linea 

 intertrochanterica, close to the great trochanter ; the medial 

 portion, longer and almost vertical in direction, descends 

 to find attachment into the distal end of the linea inter- 

 trochanterica. The interval between the two diverging 

 parts of this ligament is occupied by a thinner portion 

 of the capsule. The ilio-femoral ligament is sometimes 

 called the Y-shaped ligament, but, in making use of this term, 

 remember that the shape it presents is that of an inverted Y. 



The ligamentum pubocapsulare (O.T. pubo -femoral ligament) is 

 the name applied to several fasciculi which spring from the 

 pubic bone and the obturator membrane, and join the distal 

 and anterior aspect of the capsule. In cases where the bursa 

 under the ilio-psoas is continuous with the cavity of the 

 joint, the aperture of communication is placed between this 

 band and the ilio-femoral ligament. 



The ligamentum ischiocapsulare (O.T. ischio-femoral ligament) 

 is a comparatively weak band which springs from the 

 ischium below the acetabulum and passes proximally and 

 laterally, anterior to the tendon of the obturator externus. 

 Its lateral extremity terminates in the capsule. 



The zona orbicularis (O.T. orbicular ligament) is composed of 

 circular fibres, which are most distinct on the posterior aspect 

 of the capsule. It encircles the neck of the femur posteriorly 

 and distally, but is lost as it is traced anteriorly towards the 

 proximal and anterior part of the capsule. 



The dissector has already observed the close connection 

 which is exhibited between the capsule of the hip-joint and 

 the tendons of the glutseus minimus, and the reflected head of 

 the rectus femoris. Reinforcing fibres are contributed to the 

 capsule by both of these tendons. 



