Hip Joint
1. Introduction
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint connecting the pelvis to the femur. It provides stability for
weight-bearing and allows movements like walking, running, and rotation.
2. Bones & Articulations
- Pelvis: Ilium, Ischium, Pubis
- Femur: Head of femur articulates with acetabulum
- Acetabulum: Deep socket lined with hyaline cartilage
Joint Type: Synovial ball-and-socket
Movements Allowed: Flexion, Extension, Abduction, Adduction, Internal & External Rotation
3. Ligaments of Hip Joint
Ligaments provide stability and limit excessive movement.
Ligament Location Function
Iliofemoral Anterior, Y-shaped Prevents hyperextension
Pubofemoral Anterior-inferior Limits excessive abduction
Ischiofemoral Posterior Limits internal rotation
Ligamentum teres Inside joint Contains small artery to femoral head
4. Muscles Acting on Hip Joint
Action Muscles
Flexors Iliopsoas, Rectus femoris, Sartorius
Extensors Gluteus maximus, Hamstrings
Abductors Gluteus medius, Gluteus minimus, Tensor fasciae latae
Adductors Adductor longus, Adductor brevis, Adductor magnus, Gracilis
Internal Rotators Gluteus medius (anterior), Gluteus minimus
External Rotators Piriformis, Obturator internus, Gemelli
5. Bursae Around Hip
- Trochanteric bursa: Lateral hip, reduces friction over greater trochanter
- Iliopsoas bursa: Anterior hip, under iliopsoas tendon
- Ischial bursa: Posterior, under gluteus maximus over ischial tuberosity
6. Clinical Notes / Common Relevance
- Hip dislocation: Posterior more common, can affect sciatic nerve
- Hip fractures: Common in elderly, often femoral neck fracture
1. Introduction
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint connecting the pelvis to the femur. It provides stability for
weight-bearing and allows movements like walking, running, and rotation.
2. Bones & Articulations
- Pelvis: Ilium, Ischium, Pubis
- Femur: Head of femur articulates with acetabulum
- Acetabulum: Deep socket lined with hyaline cartilage
Joint Type: Synovial ball-and-socket
Movements Allowed: Flexion, Extension, Abduction, Adduction, Internal & External Rotation
3. Ligaments of Hip Joint
Ligaments provide stability and limit excessive movement.
Ligament Location Function
Iliofemoral Anterior, Y-shaped Prevents hyperextension
Pubofemoral Anterior-inferior Limits excessive abduction
Ischiofemoral Posterior Limits internal rotation
Ligamentum teres Inside joint Contains small artery to femoral head
4. Muscles Acting on Hip Joint
Action Muscles
Flexors Iliopsoas, Rectus femoris, Sartorius
Extensors Gluteus maximus, Hamstrings
Abductors Gluteus medius, Gluteus minimus, Tensor fasciae latae
Adductors Adductor longus, Adductor brevis, Adductor magnus, Gracilis
Internal Rotators Gluteus medius (anterior), Gluteus minimus
External Rotators Piriformis, Obturator internus, Gemelli
5. Bursae Around Hip
- Trochanteric bursa: Lateral hip, reduces friction over greater trochanter
- Iliopsoas bursa: Anterior hip, under iliopsoas tendon
- Ischial bursa: Posterior, under gluteus maximus over ischial tuberosity
6. Clinical Notes / Common Relevance
- Hip dislocation: Posterior more common, can affect sciatic nerve
- Hip fractures: Common in elderly, often femoral neck fracture
