The hip and femur

Abstract

The primary function of the lower extremities is locomotion. Any alteration of the function of the lower extremities will result in an alteration in the ability to walk and run. The hip is the most proximal joint in the lower extremity. Alteration in the hip due to disease will significantly affect the biomechanics of gait and place abnormal stress on the joints above and below the hip, which can lead to pain in areas such as the lumbar spine and the knee. © Springer Science + Business Media LLC 2010.