Hip joint

Hip joint is a ball and socket type of joint that connects the pelvis to the femur, the longest bone in the body. It is one of the most flexible and strongest joints in the human body, allowing a wide range of movements.

Anatomy

The hip joint is formed by the articulation of the rounded head of the femur and the cup-like acetabulum of the pelvis. It forms a connection from the lower limb to the pelvic girdle, and thus is designed for stability and weight-bearing rather than a large amount of flexibility.

Components

• Femur: The femur is the longest bone in the human body. Its upper end forms the ball of the hip joint.
• Acetabulum: The acetabulum is a deep, circular socket formed on the outer edge of the pelvis by the union of three bones: ilium, ischium, and pubis.
• Articular cartilage: This is a thin layer of cartilage covering the surfaces of the bones forming the hip joint. It acts as a shock absorber and allows for smooth movements of the joint.
• Ligaments: These are strong, fibrous structures that bind the bones together. The hip joint is encircled with ligaments to provide stability to the hip by limiting the joint's range of motion.

Function

The hip joint is designed for both mobility and stability. It allows for a wide range of movements, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, circumduction, and hip rotation. The stability of the hip joint is mainly provided by its bony architecture, the surrounding ligaments and muscles, and the negative intra-articular pressure.

Diseases and Conditions

There are several diseases and conditions that can affect the hip joint, including:

• Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the joint to wear away.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts.
• Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip socket doesn't fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone. It can lead to a hip dislocation.
• Hip bursitis: This is an inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between tendons and bones.
• Hip fracture: This is a break in the upper quarter of the femur (thigh) bone. The extent of the break depends on the forces that are involved.

See Also

• Knee joint
• Ankle joint
• Shoulder joint
• Elbow joint

Hip joint Resources
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