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[Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/)

# Ischiofemoral ligament

The ischiofemoral ligament is the band reinforcing the back of the [hip capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-capsule-of-hip-joint/); it limits the thigh turning inward.

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## What it is

A ligament at the back of the hip capsule, from the ischium (sitting bone) to the [femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/).

## What it does

Limits the thigh turning inward and helps hold the ball in the socket.

## Key points

- The only one of the three capsular ligaments on the back of the hip; its fibres spiral upward and laterally
- Part of its fibres continue as the zona orbicularis, the circular collar around the femoral neck
- Ischiofemoral impingement is named after the space between ischium and lesser trochanter, not after this ligament

## Key facts

**Attaches**
Ischium behind acetabulum, spiraling up and laterally to femoral neck near greater trochanter

**Function**
Weakest of the three; limits internal rotation and extension

**Tight in**
Hip internal rotation and extension

## Relations

**Behind**
Short external rotators: [piriformis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/piriformis-muscle/) above, [obturator internus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/obturator-internus/) with the gemelli, [quadratus femoris](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/quadratus-femoris-muscle/) below; the [sciatic nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sciatic-nerve/) lies further back

**Deep**
Femoral [head and neck](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/head-and-neck/)

**Below**
[Obturator externus tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-obturator-externus/), winding behind the femoral neck

## How to find it

Seen in the posterior approach to the hip: after the short external rotators are detached from the greater trochanter, its fibres run from the ischium just below and behind the acetabulum to the back of the femoral neck.

## On imaging

MRI shows the posterior capsule and the ischiofemoral space; in ischiofemoral impingement the space between ischium and lesser trochanter is narrowed and quadratus femoris shows oedema.

## Clinical notes

- In the posterior approach to the hip the short rotators and posterior capsule, including this ligament, are detached; repairing them lowers the risk of dislocation
- Posterior hip dislocation tears the posterior capsule and may injure the sciatic nerve behind it
- Ischiofemoral impingement compresses quadratus femoris and can irritate the nearby sciatic nerve

## Related conditions

- [Hip dislocation](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hip-dislocation/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What makes the ischiofemoral ligament unique among the three hip capsular ligaments?

It is the only one on the back of the hip, and the weakest; its fibres spiral up and laterally to the femoral neck.

## Which hip movements tighten the ischiofemoral ligament?

Internal rotation and extension of the hip.

## Why are the posterior capsule and ischiofemoral ligament repaired after a posterior hip approach?

Repairing them with the short rotators lowers the risk of dislocation.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
ligamentum ischiofemorale TA2 1878

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Ligamento isquiofemoral

**English (TA2)**
Ischiofemoral ligament

**Also called**
ligamentum ischiocapsulare

## Related

- [Hip capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-capsule-of-hip-joint/)
- [Iliofemoral ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/iliofemoral-ligament/)
- [Femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/)
- [Hip bone](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/hip-bone/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Hip Joint](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470555/); [9.6 Anatomy of Selected Synovial Joints](https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/9-6-anatomy-of-selected-synovial-joints) (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Coxal Articulation or Hip-joint (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ischiofemoral-ligament/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ischiofemoral-ligament/