Acetabular Notch Of The Hip Bone, Lateral View

Description

Acetabular notch (incisura acetabuli) occupies the inferomedial margin of the acetabulum on the lateral surface of the os coxae. Superior to the notch, the horseshoe-shaped lunate surface (facies lunata) forms the articular rim for the femoral head, while the central acetabular fossa lies nonarticular and recessed. Anterior and posterior horns of the acetabular rim flank the notch, and the inferior acetabular margin approaches the junction of pubis and ischium near the superior border of the obturator foramen. Fixed lateral orientation keeps the socket geometry readable. This is a key landmark. The acetabular notch is bridged in life by the transverse acetabular ligament, which completes the acetabular labrum ring and helps define the inferior extent of the acetabular rim, details that matter when teaching how pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement differs from dysplasia-related undercoverage. Orthopedic planning for acetabular fractures also benefits from a precise understanding of the inferior rim and horn continuity, since fracture lines can exit near the notch and alter the containment arc that stabilizes the femoral head after posterior hip dislocation. You can drop this illustration straight into pelvic girdle anatomy modules, hip joint biomechanics lectures, or operative anatomy figures for total hip arthroplasty and hip arthroscopy, where surgeons reference the inferior acetabular rim, labral base, and transverse acetabular ligament during portal placement and rim trimming. It also suits exam-style teaching on acetabular landmarks in lateral view for medical, PA, and PT curricula. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.