HIP SURGERY
Anatomy of the Hip
The hip is a classic ball and socket joint. The ball part consists of the upper end or “head” of the thigh bone (femur) and the socket is formed by a cup-shaped cavity in the pelvic bone (the acetabulum). This design gives the joint its wide range of movement.
Both the ball and the socket are covered in a smooth soft cartilage about 3mm thick. This cartilage allows the two parts ofs the joint to move smoothly against each other and also acts to cushion the joint during weight-bearing activity. The acetabulum is surrounded by a ring of fibrous cartilage called the labrum which acts like a seal between the two components and helps them glide smoothly. The hip is held together by powerful ligaments which form a sleeve (joint capsule) around the joint. This capsule is lined with synovial membrane which produces a small amount of fluid which acts as a lubricant.
Muscles and tendons also provide support and stability to the hip.
Click to enlarge:
