- Femur head
Infobox Bone
Name = Femur head
Latin = caput femoris
GraySubject = 59
GrayPage = 243
Caption = Upper extremity of rightfemur viewed from behind and above.
Caption2 =
System =
MeshName = femur+head
MeshNumber = A02.835.232.043.650.247.343
DorlandsPre = c_08
DorlandsSuf = 12211984
The femur head (Latin : "caput femoris") is the highest part of the thigh bone (femur ). It is supported by the neck of the femur.The head is globular and forms rather more than a hemisphere, is directed upward, medialward, and a little forward, the greater part of its convexity being above and in front.
Its surface is smooth, coated with
cartilage in the fresh state, except over an ovoid depression, thefovea capitis femoris , which is situated a little below and behind the center of the head, and gives attachment to theligament of head of femur .If there is a fracture of the neck of the femur, the blood supply through the ligament becomes crucial. In
orthopedic surgery , the head of the femur is important because it can undergoavascular necrosis . The head is removed intotal hip replacement surgery.
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