Anatomy of a Hip Joint

Overview

The hip is a ball and socket joint that allows the upper leg to move front to back and side to side. The largest weight bearing joint in the body, the hip joint is surrounded by strong ligaments and muscle.

Femur

Also called the thigh bone, this is the bone for the upper portion of the leg. It is the longest, largest and heaviest bone of the body.

Femoral head

The femoral head is the top ball-like end of the femur. The femoral head fits into the socket of the pelvic bone to form the hip joint. Cartilage on the head cushions the joint in the socket, allowing smooth rotation.

Femoral neck

The femoral neck supports the femoral head. Its length allows for maximum leverage and rotation.

Femoral ligaments

These three strong ligaments attach the femur bone to the pelvis. They stretch over the joint to strengthen and support it.

Pelvis

Two hip bones come together to form a girdle at the bottom of the body called the pelvis. It carries and transmits weight from the upper body to the lower limbs in standing or sitting positions. Each hip bone is divided into three sections.

Acetabulum

This cavity in the hip bone forms the socket that holds the femoral head.

Acetabular labrum

Also called the acetabular lip, this soft tissue extends out from the socket.

Femoral head ligament

This ligament connects the femoral head to the acetabulum.