Fovea of the head of the femur

Study entry

Description

A small medial depression in the head of the femur, without cartilage.

Relations

Attachment of the ligament of the head of the femur, which early in life carries an artery to the epiphysis of the head.

Source: cap. 7, «Huesos del miembro inferior: fémur»

Clinical correlation

Necrosis of the femoral head in children

In a child, traumatic dislocation of the hip injures the artery of the head of the femur. Fractures that separate the superior epiphysis of the femur (the growth zone between head and neck) also cut off the blood supply of the head. The result can be post-traumatic avascular necrosis: the articular surfaces stop fitting together and growth of the epiphysis is delayed. It is most common between 3 and 9 years and gives hip pain that can radiate to the knee.

Related clinical cases

• Necrosis of the femoral head in children

Other structures in this region

• Ilium
• Ischium
• Pubis
• Ala of the ilium
• Anterior superior iliac spine
• Anterior inferior iliac spine
• Posterior superior iliac spine
• Posterior inferior iliac spine