What is the hip?
The hip is one of the most important joints in the human body. It allows an individual to perform normal activities such as walking, running, or jumping. It also bears the weight of the body and the force exerted by the muscles present in the hips and legs. Together with the shoulder, it is one of the most flexible joints that allow a wide range of movements as well as support.
The hip joint is made up of the femur and pelvic bone. A concave structure present in the iliac bone, known as the acetabulum, forms a sort of pocket where the head of the femur is present in. Both joint structures are covered with a strong but lubricated layer of cartilage, which provides a smooth surface and cushions blows as well as averts friction between bones, allowing them to glide freely over one another. The joint is lubricated by the synovial fluid produced from the membranes surrounding the cartilage.
In addition to the bones in the hip, there are also several ligaments resistant to preventing the dislocation of the joint, including three extracapsular and one intracapsular. The three most common extracapsular ligaments include: the iliofemoral ligament, the ischiofemorale ligament and the pubofemorale ligament. They attach to the pelvis bones (the iliac bone, the ishcium bone and the pubic bone) and reinforce the capsule, limiting excessive movement of the joint. A fourth ligament, known as the ligamentum teres, is an intracapsular ligament that is attached to the acetabulum and stretches only in the case of hip dislocation, preventing further displacement. Finally, the muscles located in this region of the body allow the bones to remain united, all the while avoiding the risk of dislocation.
Hip disorders are often caused by developmental conditions, injuries, or chronic conditions. Symptoms of a hip disorder generally differ depending on the cause of the disorder and the particular area of the hip joint that is causing problems. One example, osteoarthritis, is caused by the degeneration of cartilage in the joint. Once the cartilage has worn down, it fails to cushion the hip bones, in turn causing pain and inflammation. Seeking medical treatment is essential in order to determine the most appropriate form of treatment (if any) and prevent further complications from arising.
What function does the hip serve?
The primary function of the hip is to bear the weight of the body and at the same time, contribute to its agility. The hip joints are the most important part in retaining balance. Thanks to this joint, walking, running, jumping and performing all other activities is permitted by leg movement.
The femoral head can perform a movement of 360 degrees within the acetabulum and rotate about 90 degrees around its axis. This flexibility is combined with the ability to withstand the forces acting on the body. For example, while running, the body’s strength to endure movements’ increases with the weight that is exerted from the body, making the hip joint capable of coping with forces during the entire exercise.
If the hip is damaged due to an injury or aging, constantly maintaining its functionality through physical therapy may be recommended, or in more severe cases, replacing it with a prosthesis (artificial hip joint) may be necessary.
