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The Hip Anatomy
Hip Anatomy
The hip joint is designed for both
mobility and stability, allowing the entire lower
extremity
to move in three planes of motion. The hip provides an important shock
absorption
function to the torso and upper body as well as stability during standing
and
other
weight bearing activities.
Bones
The hip is actually a ball and socket
joint, uniting two
separate bones, the femur
(thigh bone) with the pelvis.
The pelvis features two cup shaped depressions
called the
acetabulum, one on either side of the body. The femur is the longest bone in the
bodyand connects to the pelvis at the hip joint. The head of the femur, shaped like
a ball,
fits tightly into the acetabulum, forming the ball and socket
joint of the hip,
allowing
the leg to move forward and backward, side to side, and rotate right and left.
Cartilage
The acetabulum is lined with cartilage,
which cushions the bones during weight
bearing activities and allows the joint to rotate smoothly and freely in all
planes
of movement with minimal friction.
Ligaments
The complex system of ligaments
that connect the femur to the pelvis are essential
for stability, keeping the hip from moving outside of its normal planes of
movement.
Muscles
The muscles of the hip joint
have dual responsibilities working synergistically to
provide the power for the hip to move in all directions, as well as to stabilize
the
entire lower extremity during standing, walking, or other weight bearing
activities.
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