Free nerve endings in the ligamentum capitis femoris.
We report the presence of free nerve endings (FNE) in the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF). Qualitative and quantitative measurements on the incidence of FNE, as assessed by immuno-histochemistry for the S-100 protein, were obtained from 18 patients undergoing hip surgery. We found FNE in all LCF, with no association to age. The presence of FNE in the LCF suggests a role in noci-/proprioception of the hip.
Leunig
M
M
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Bern, Inselspital, Switzerland. leunig@dkf5.unibe.ch
Beck
M
M
Stauffer
E
E
Hertel
R
R
Ganz
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005269:Femur / Q000294:innervation*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000294:innervation*; D008875:Middle Aged