Healing of the ruptured ligamentum teres after hip dislocation--an arthroscopic finding

Following recent advances in arthroscopy of the hip, interest has increased in injuries to the ligamentum teres and treatment strategies for them. Following a traumatic dislocation of the hip joint it is thought that the ligamentum teres is likely to be ruptured and it is thought that healing cannot occur because of the continued movement of the joint. We report on two patients with a past history of an established traumatic dislocation of the hip joint who were seen at subsequent hip arthroscopy to have a soft-tissue connection between the femoral head and the cotyloid fossa of the acetabulum. This suggests that the ligamentum teres has the potential to heal.