Hip

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint at the juncture of the leg and pelvis. The rounded head of the femur (thighbone) forms the ball, which fits into the acetabulum (a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis). Both joint sides are covered with a layer of bone cartilage.

The hip has an extra cushion of cartilage around the rim of the cup, the labrum. Ligaments connect the ball to the socket and usually provide tremendous stability to the joint. The hip joint is normally very sturdy because of the fit between the femoral head and acetabulum as well as strong ligaments and muscles at the joint.

The hip joint is covered with a strong cuff and provides strength and stability. The inside of the cuff is lined with synovium, which provides for the production of synovial fluid.

All of the various components of the hip mechanism assist in the mobility of the joint. Damage to any single component can negatively affect range of motion and ability to bear weight on the joint. Orthopedic degeneration or trauma – those conditions affecting the bones in the hip joint – can necessitate total hip replacement, partial hip replacement or hip resurfacing.