Basic Anatomy
The hip joint is a major joint. It is classified as a ball-and-socket joint. The top of the femur (thigh bone) is rounded and fits into a socket in the pelvis. The proper name for the pelvic bone in question is acetabulum. The size and shape of the acetabulum makes this joint one of the harder joints to dislocate.
This joint is capable of a wide variety of complex motions. These motions are aided by a large group of muscles. In addition to the well known gluteal and hamstring muscles, there are lesser well known muscles such as the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, Sartorius, pectineus, and the gracilis. They typically work in groups of two or three to create each distinct motion, such as flexion, rotation, and abduction. …show more content…
The cartilage is further assisted by bursae, which are fluid filled sacs that lubricate the joint.
The pelvis is a central area. Unsurprisingly, multiple nerves pass through this region, even if only to connect other parts back to the brain. When the hip is injured, the two most commonly nerved are the sciatic nerve and the femoral nerve.
Hip Conditions and Hip Pain