The anatomy of the hip

The hip joint, or coxofemoral joint, is one of the largest joints in the human body.

It is formed by two spherical bone heads, one concave (the acetabulum), the other convex (the femoral head), which perform movements in all planes. The femoral head is then free to rotate within the acetabulum.

The two surfaces of the femoral head and the acetabulum are perfectly congruent and are covered with cartilage, a structure that protects the bone and facilitates sliding between the two joint heads. However, the femoral head is not completely contained within the acetabular cavity.

The joint’s high degree of stability is also guaranteed by the acetabular labrum, which increases the containment surface of the femoral head by wrapping it around the circumference.

The round ligament, located at the top of the femoral head, anchors the femoral head to the bottom of the acetabulum, further ensuring joint stability.

The entire femoral head is also enveloped by the joint capsule, a structure that fits over the edge of the acetabulum and delimits the joint space.

Around the joint capsule there are also numerous ligaments that provide stability, while certain muscles allow movement of the joint.

The information provided is not medical advice, nor is it intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Under no circumstances should this information be a substitute for a consultation, examination or diagnosis given by a doctor.