Acetabulaire

Acetabular (acetabulaire in French) refers to the acetabulum, the cup-shaped socket of the hip joint formed by the fusion of the ilium, ischium, and pubis. It accommodates the femoral head, creating a ball-and-socket articulation that enables a wide range of lower limb movement while bearing body weight.

The acetabulum comprises a rough bony rim surrounding a smooth lunate articular surface, which shares cartilage with the femoral head. The inferior boundary is bridged by the transverse acetabular ligament, forming the acetabular notch. The nonarticular portion, the acetabular fossa, houses the ligamentum teres attachment and fat pad. The rim is lined by the acetabular labrum, a fibrocartilaginous ring that deepens the socket and contributes to joint sealing.

Anatomical orientation includes acetabular depth and version, which influence stability and impingement risk. The acetabulum develops from all three pelvic bones and reaches maturity in adolescence; its depth and coverage are assessed radiographically by measures such as the center-edge angle. Abnormal development may lead to dysplasia, while excessive coverage can contribute to pincer impingement.

Clinical relevance includes acetabular fractures (often classified using Letournel types), dysplasia, osteoarthritis secondary to malalignment, and labral tears. Treatment may involve periacetabular osteotomy to reorient the socket, acetabular reconstruction, or total hip arthroplasty. Imaging modalities include radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to assess bone structure, cartilage, and soft tissues.