Studies of the round hip ligament since the 19th century have been considered a vestige in the adult, others recent suggest its participation in nociception and proprioception of the hip. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the presence of nervous tissue in the round ligament by immunohistochemistry. Between July 2016 and February 2017, round ligament excision of 10 patients undergoing joint replacement surgery was performed for several reasons. Subsequently they were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. Samples were composed of a synovial layer of cuboidal cells, underlying connective tissue composed of collagen fibers and a surrounding fat layer, nerve endings were present in all specimens. The round ligament should not be considered as a vestige. Our study found nerve endings in the 10 specimens (100%). Our findings suggest its implication in nociception and proprioception.

Studies of the round hip ligament since the 19th century have been considered a vestige in the adult, others recent suggest its participation in nociception and proprioception of the hip. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the presence of nervous tissue in the round ligament by immunohistochemistry. Between July 2016 and February 2017, round ligament excision of 10 patients undergoing joint replacement surgery was performed for several reasons. Subsequently they were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. Samples were composed of a synovial layer of cuboidal cells, underlying connective tissue composed of collagen fibers and a surrounding fat layer, nerve endings were present in all specimens. The round ligament should not be considered as a vestige. Our study found nerve endings in the 10 specimens (100%). Our findings suggest its implication in nociception and proprioception.