Hip pathology

Discover hip pathologies 
that we treat in our center

Definition and anatomy of the hip

The hip is one of the largest joints in the human body. It is of the synovial and spheroid type (or enarthrosis), allowing a wide range of movement.
This joint connects the pelvis to the femur, playing a crucial role in locomotion and body stability during various activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Hip pathologies

Anatomy
Function

Hip Anatomy

Bone Structures:

– Acetabulum: A cup-shaped cavity located in the coxal bone of the pelvis. It forms the concave part of the hip joint and accommodates the head of the femur.
– Femur head: Spherical end of the femur (thigh bone) that articulates with the acetabulum. It forms the convex part of the joint.
– Femoral neck: Narrow segment of the femur that connects the head to the diaphysis (body) of the bone.
– Articular Cartilage: Hyaline cartilage covers the articular surfaces of the acetabulum and head of the femur, allowing smooth movement and reducing friction.
– Joint Capsule: A thick fibrous capsule envelops the joint, containing synovial fluid that lubricates the joint and nourishes the cartilage.

Ligaments:

– Iliofemoral ligament: Located at the front of the joint, it is one of the strongest and prevents hyperextension of the hip.

– Pubofemoral ligament: Located at the front and bottom, it limits abduction and extension.

– Ischiofemoral ligament: Located at the back, it limits extension and internal rotation.

– Ligamentum Teres: Small ligament inside the joint, it contributes to stability and carries a small artery that supplies blood to the femoral head.

Muscles:

– Flexor Muscles: The main flexor muscle is the iliopsoas muscle.
– Extensor Muscles: The gluteus maximus and hamstrings are the main extensors.
– Abductor Muscles: The gluteus medius and minimus muscles are the main abductors.
– Adductor Muscles: The adductor muscles of the thigh, such as the adductor longus, brevis and magnus, are responsible for adduction.
– Rotator Muscles: The pelvic-trochanteric muscles (piriformis, gastrocnemius, obturators) are responsible for external rotation, while the gluteus minimus and medius muscles contribute to internal rotation.

Vascularization:

– Arteries: The main arteries are the medial and lateral circumflex arteries, which arise from the profunda femoris artery. The obturator artery and the superior gluteal artery also contribute to the irrigation.
– Veins: Venous drainage occurs through the circumflex, obturator and gluteal veins.

Innervation:

– The main nerves are the femoral nerve, the obturator nerve, and the superior and inferior gluteal nerves.

Hip Function

The hip is essential for the stability and movement of the body. It allows:

Flexion and Extension: Forward and backward movement of the thigh.
Abduction and Adduction: Movement of the thigh away from the body and towards the body.
Internal and External Rotation: Rotation of the thigh inwards and outwards.
Circumduction: Circular movement of the thigh.
The hip also plays a key role in transmitting forces between the trunk and lower limbs, which is vital for posture, balance and locomotion.

Pathologies treated in our center

 


The hip joint is prone to various pathologies and injuries, such as:

Osteoarthritis
of
the hip

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Loosening of total hip prosthesis

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