Home › Body Atlas › Ligaments › Posterior Capsule of the Hip

Posterior Capsule of the Hip

capsula articularis coxae (pars posterior)

The posterior hip capsule provides containment for the posterior hip joint, reinforced by the ischiofemoral ligament. Posterior hip capsular insufficiency from repeated hip hyperflexion and internal rotation (common in dancers and athletes) produces microinstability — a subtle excessive range with poor muscular control that causes anterior hip impingement as the head translates anteriorly with the capsule unable to restrain it posteriorly.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Posterior acetabular rim and posterior labrum
Insertion	Posterior femoral neck (intertrochanteric region)

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Posterior hip joint containment; resists hip internal rotation and anterior femoral head escape; ischiofemoral ligament reinforces this region

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Posterior hip capsular laxity in hypermobile athletes produces the anterior impingement paradox — the hip impinges anteriorly not from bony impingement but from a loose posterior capsule allowing excessive anterior head translation. Posterior capsular plication or tightening during hip arthroscopy addresses this microinstability.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Hip Microinstability

Posterior capsular laxity producing anterior hip impingement from excessive femoral head anterior translation managed with capsular plication during hip arthroscopy.