The TAL Suction Retractor: A Simple Technique for Visualising the Transverse Acetabular Ligament (TAL) During Total Hip Replacement (THR) Surgery

The transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) is an anatomical landmark that is of particular use during primary total hip replacements (THR). It can be used to control acetabular depth, height and version [1]. Visualisation is important to aid the orientation of the acetabular cup and it is a structure that can be identified in virtually every primary hip replacement surgery [2]. A study of 1,000 consecutive primary THRs identified and exposed the TAL in 99.7% of cases [2].