Biomechanics of the hip

Abstract

The hip joint plays a crucial role in daily living and athletic activities. The specific anatomy and biomechanics of the human hip joint is a consequence of the evolution of permanent bipedal gait. Acetabular and femoral anatomy ensure an inherently stable hip with a wide range of motion. Abnormal anatomy can lead to hip joint instability or impingement and is a risk factor for the development of arthritis of the joint. The forces acting upon the hip joint are mainly a function of gravitational force and strength of the muscles surrounding the hip and their respective lever arms. Depending on the activity, the hip may be subjected to a peak force of up to 8 times the body's weight. Both conservative and surgical treatment of fractures of the proximal femur can result in a variety of anatomical changes that can affect the biomechanics of the hip. Recognizing the biomechanical principles of the hip joint is essential for understanding normal hip function and is the basis of treatment concepts for congenital, traumatic, or degenerative hip diseases.