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Hip Joint

articulatio coxae

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint between the spherical femoral head and the cup-shaped acetabulum, providing the largest range of motion of any weight-bearing joint. The deepened acetabular socket is augmented by the fibrocartilaginous labrum, which increases contact area and provides a suction seal effect. The iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments form the capsule, with the zona orbicularis constricting the femoral neck.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The hip joint is the primary site of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), osteoarthritis, labral tears, and avascular necrosis. Hip OA producing groin pain radiating to the anterior thigh is the leading indication for total hip arthroplasty — over 500,000 performed annually in the US. FAI (cam, pincer, or combined) causes labral tears and early OA from abnormal bony morphology. Hip arthroscopy addresses labral repair, FAI correction, and chondral lesions. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head affects the anterosuperior weight-bearing zone first, progressing to collapse requiring resurfacing or arthroplasty.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Femoroacetabular Impingement

Cam or pincer morphology causing bony contact during flexion, producing anterior hip pain and labral tears in active young adults.

Hip Fracture

Low-energy femoral neck or intertrochanteric fracture in osteoporotic elderly, requiring urgent surgical management.