Abstract
PurposeThe position of the fovea of the femoral head is usually considered to be inferior or inferoposterior, despite the fact that few detailed anatomical studies have been performed. This study was performed to assess the position of the fovea in computed tomography and its correlation with standard radiographic measures of the proximal femur.MethodsComputed tomography scans of the hip of 107 patients (54 women and 53 men) were evaluated. The semi-coronal and transverse views were used to assess the femoral neck–shaft angle and the neck version, as well as the size and position of the fovea in relation with the femoral neck axis and the size of the head.ResultsThe fovea was always located inferior to the neck axis in the semi-coronal plane. In the transverse plane, the fovea was always slightly posterior to the femoral neck axis, as approximately ¾ of its diameter was posterior to the axis. The position was unrelated to the neck–shaft axis and the neck–trochanter minor angle. There were no differences in the position between men and women; however, in women, the fovea is slightly larger than in men when related to the femoral head size.ConclusionThe femoral neck axis in the transverse plane always crosses the anterior aspect of the fovea. Its position is unrelated to the angular geometry of the proximal femur, but related to the femoral head size. It is found to be relatively larger in women.
Highlights
The position of the fovea of the femoral head has been determined in anatomy books seemingly once and for all
No significant differences were found in the neck–shaft angle, and the neck–trochanter angle in the transverse plane
It is present in every hip, despite the fact that the femoral head ligament that is attached to it may be missing [17]
Summary
The position of the fovea of the femoral head has been determined in anatomy books seemingly once and for all. It is usually described as positioned inferiorly on the femoral head, with no regard to its anteroposterior direction [1]. There are a few specific circumstances when the knowledge of the position of the fovea of the femoral head may be important. It is increasingly used as one of the measures in evaluating radiographs of the developmental dysplasia of the hip, serves as a landmark in hip arthroscopy, and is used in anthropological practice [4, 9, 10]. Assessment of fovea position in radiography may help to determine the rotational
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
