Hip

Example of Hip Injuries Treated:

• Femoro-acetabular (FAI) impingement syndrome

• Labral tear

• Capsulolabral adhesions

• Snapping hip syndrome

• Failed hip arthroscopy

• etc.

Examples of Hip Treatment Options:

• Hip arthroscopy

• Arthroscopic labral repair/reconstruction

• Arthroscopic acetabuloplasty/femoroplasty

• Arthroscopic capsular repair

• Arthroscopic lysis of adhesions

• Core decompression

• etc.

Hip Anatomy

The hip is a ball and socket joint made up of different structures - bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. They all work together to maintain the hip's normal function and provide stability to the hip during movement.

Having a well-functioning healthy hip is essential for our mobility and ability to participate in various activities. Understanding the anatomy of the hip enhances your ability to discuss and choose the right treatment procedure for hip problems with your doctor.

Bones of the Hip

The hip is a ball and socket joint made up of two bones, the thighbone (femur) and pelvis. The head of the femur is round and is called the femoral head, this moves with the hip socket (acetabulum) which is part of the pelvis. The hip's motion is also influenced by motion through the pelvis and the lumbar spine.

Articular Cartilage and Labrum of the Hip

Movement of the bones causes friction between the articulating surfaces. To reduce this friction, all articulating surfaces involved in the movement are covered with a white, shiny, slippery layer called articular cartilage. The articulating surface of the femoral head and acetabulum are covered with this cartilage. The cartilage provides a smooth surface that facilitates easy movement.

To further reduce friction between the articulating surfaces of the bones, the hip joint is lined by a synovial membrane that produces a thick clear fluid called synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates and nourishes the cartilage and bones inside the joint capsule.

Within the hip joint, there is a cartilaginous rim extension of the articular cartilage that forms the labrum. This labrum functions to provide stability to the hip joint during ranges of motion.

Capsular Ligaments of the Hip

Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect one bone to another bone. The ligaments of the hip stabilize the hip joint. There are three important ligaments that hold the bones of the hip joint together, the iliofemoral ligament, the ischiofemoral ligament, and the pubofemoral ligament. Furthermore there is a ligament from the center of the femoral head into the base of the acetabulum that also provides some stability called the ligaments teres.

Muscles of the Hip

There are five major muscles groups in the hip - hip flexors, extensors, adductors (towards the body), abductors (away from the body), and external rotators, which enable movement of the hip joint. The hip joint is located deep within these layers of muscles.