Intertrochanteric line

Structure

The intertrochanteric line marks the boundary between the femoral neck and shaft anteriorly (whereas the intertrochanteric crest marks the same boundary posteriorly).

Attachments

The iliofemoral ligament — the largest ligament of the human body — attaches above the line.

The distal capsular attachment on the femur follows the shape of the irregular rim between the head and the neck. As a consequence, the capsule of the hip joint attaches in the region of the intertrochanteric line on the anterior side, but a finger away from the intertrochanteric crest on the posterior side of the head.

The fibers of the ischiocapsular ligament attach both into the joint capsule and onto the intertrochanteric line.

Clinical significance

Intertrochantric fractures

This area of the femur being an important pillar for weight bearing through the skeletal system is subject to comparatively high levels of dynamic stress, pathological strain, physiological strain and trauma. This area is prone to fractures due to high velocity trauma in the young and trivial trauma in the elderly. The fractures in this line are called intertrochantric fractures and are classified as per the pattern of the fracture geometry.

After a fracture this area of bone is notorious for uniting in varying, and sometimes problematic angles. Therefore, it typically requires early surgical reduction and fixation with early mobilization and weight bearing in order to facilitate enhanced recovery.

References

Bibliography

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References

1. (2005-11-08). "The Human Bone Manual". Elsevier.
2. Platzer (2004), p 192
3. White (2005), p 256
4. Platzer (2004), pp 192, 198