femurkopf

The femur head, or femurkopf, is the rounded proximal end of the femur that forms the ball of the hip joint. It articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis to create the hip joint. The articular surface is covered by hyaline cartilage except for a small nonarticular area called the fovea capitis, where the ligamentum teres attaches. The head is connected to the shaft by the femoral neck and is oriented to transfer loads from the pelvis to the femur.

The vascular supply to the femoral head in adults primarily comes from retinacular arteries that run along the femoral neck and originate from the medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries. The artery of the ligamentum teres provides a supplemental, but relatively small, blood supply. Disruption of these vessels, for example by intracapsular fractures, can lead to avascular necrosis of the head, a serious complication.

Developmentally, the femoral head ossifies from an epiphysis that fuses with the femoral neck during adolescence. Variants in development or trauma can lead to conditions such as Perthes disease in children or avascular necrosis in adults.

Clinical relevance and imaging: The head is a common site of fracture in the elderly and of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in adolescents. Imaging typically begins with radiographs (AP and lateral views) and may include MRI or CT to assess blood supply, cartilage integrity, and associated injuries.