Anatomy of the Hip Joint

Abstract

The normal hip is often described as a synovial ball and socket joint but this hardly does it justice. The hip represents a remarkable coexistence of stability married to versatility in motion. Furthermore this biomechanical phenomenon is built to sustain the demands of a lifetime and today such demands are ever increasing. In broad terms the bony anatomy with concave socket articulating with the femoral head creates an incredibly stable joint challenged only in the most part by high-energy trauma. Its complex intra-articular structures and lubrication system create a mobile and durable couple, the secrets of which have not yet fully been elucidated. The intricate arterial anastomoses supplying the joint have only been revealed in recent years. The application of this anatomical knowledge has permitted surgeons to not only understand hip pathology but also to intervene safely with procedures such as surgical hip dislocations. In this chapter we will explore both acetabulum and proximal femur from their development to final morphology. We shall delve into what is known about the labrum and other articular structures. Finally we shall scrutinize the complex blood supply to the hip for this is paramount to the prognosis of non-arthroplasty treatment of intra-articular hip fractures and preventing complications.