Human fetal topographical anatomy of the femoral triangle in relation with change in the hip joint position

Abstract

Fetal hip joint is characterized by its highly flexion and lateral rotation although adult anatomy of the femoral nerve and iliofemoral ligament suggested the medial rotation. To investigate topographical anatomy of the femoral nerve, artery and vein in the femoral triangle, we histologically examined 11 fetuses (15-37 weeks). The nerve-vessel topographical relation was basically similar to that in adults, but the fan-like nerve division was seen in the horizontal plane in the smaller specimens in contrast to that included in the sagittal plane in the larger specimens. The medial or internal rotation of the nerve division seemed to occur in late stage fetuses, at birth and at infancy. Blood supply to the head of the femur might be also accelerated by changes in the hip joint position.