Background. We clarified the microstructure of the acetabular transverse ligament in terms of the construction and arrangement of the collagen fibers constituting the ligament and their connection with the acetabular labrum using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods. Deparaffinized blocks were treated with 2N NaOH to digest the cell matrix, allowing the collagen fibers constituting the ligament and cartilage to be observed under SEM. Results. The acetabular transverse ligament had parallel collagen fibers with a width of 30-50 µm, which consisted of bundles with type I collagen fibrils. The collagen fibers of the transverse ligament were interwoven between the cartilage tissues of the acetabular labrum, forming a layered structure. These components seemed to be directly joined to each other histologically. However, in SEM images, the collagen fibers were not directly connected; rather, fine collagen fibers with varying diameters extending from the structures were interwoven. Conclusions. The acetabular transverse ligament had a distinctly different microstructure than the acetabular labrum. At the connection of both tissues, we found that the microstructure was not a direct adhesion but rather a structural bond, at least with respect to collagen. The results suggest that ligaments potentially attach to tissues other than bone.
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