HIP Joint

Description

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint formed by the femoral head and acetabulum of the pelvis. It's highly stable due to its deep socket, strong joint capsule, and powerful surrounding muscles. The acetabular labrum deepens the socket and enhances stability. Three main ligaments reinforce the capsule: iliofemoral (strongest), pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments. The joint allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction, though with less range than the shoulder. Blood supply comes from medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries. Common pathologies include fractures, osteoarthritis, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, particularly in elderly patients.