Hip

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Hip Anatomy and Hip Care Patient Education for Cary, Garner, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Triangle Patients

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The head of the femur (ball) is the top or proximal end of the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (pelvis) is the socket. These surfaces are covered by articular, or joint lining cartilage. This is a lining which promotes pain free, smooth, range of motion of the joint. Damage or thinning of this lining results in arthritis.

The lining of the joint is a tissue which secretes fluid that helps with lubrication. This layer can become swollen and irritated (inflammation). This is called inflammatory arthritis and the most common form of this is rheumatoid arthritis.

The labrum is a cartilaginous structure in the socket of the hip joint which adds to the stability of the joint. Damage to this structure can result in pain and limited movement in the joint. The capsule is a non-elastic ligamentous structure that surrounds the lining tissue of the joint and aids in stabilizing the joint.

There are also several strong ligaments holding the hip joint in place. Around the joint are muscles which move the hip and lower limb.

For more hip care information and to learn about how Cary Orthopaedics can help you with your hip problems, contact us today to set up an appointment!

Hip anatomy further reading (courtesy of biomet.com)

For more information on how the hip health specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-467-4992 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC