A calcified ligamentum teres mimicking entrapped intraarticular bony fragments in a patient with acetabular fracture.

A motor vehicle accident victim presented with a fractured acetabulum and had apparent entrapped bony intraarticular fragments seen on computed tomography scanning. At surgery, these fragments were found to be a partially avulsed calcified ligamentum teres that was apparently caused by a previous injury of the same hip. Excision of the calcified ligament and surgical stabilization of the acetabulum were performed. A calcified ligamentum teres may be confused with entrapped bony fragments and therefore cause difficulty in the evaluation and management of acetabular fractures.