The hip is a ball-and-socket joint comprised of the following structures.
Head of the femur
Acetabulumthe pelvis
Ligaments of the hip joint
The head of the femur or "ball" of the hip joint articulates or moves within the cup-like "socket" called the acetabulum of the pelvic bone. Together, these structures are referred to as a "ball and socket" joint. The femoral head and acetabulum are covered by a specialized surface called articular cartilage. This allows smooth and painless motion of the hip joint.
The head of the femur or "ball" of the hip joint articulates or moves within the cup-like "socket" called the acetabulum of the pelvic bone. Together, these structures are referred to as a "ball and socket" joint. The femoral head and acetabulum are covered by a specialized surface called articular cartilage. This allows smooth and painless motion of the hip joint.
Several strong ligaments help hold the head of the femur within the acetabulum.
The iliofemoral ligament attaches the front of the ilium (pelvic bone) to the femur. It is fan-shaped, resembling an inverted Y and is sometimes referred to as the Y ligament of Bigalow.
The ishchiofemoral ligament attaches to a bony area on the rear aspect of the pelvis (where the hamstrings attach) and then connects to the femur bone.
The articular capsule, which is very dense and strong, encompasses the entire acetabulum.
The articular capsule, which is very dense and strong, encompasses the entire acetabulum.
