ANATOMY, STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP & PATHOMECHANICS OF THE HIP 1. Introduction The hip joint is a strong and stable synovial joint that connects the pelvis with the femur. It is mainly responsible for weight bearing, balance, and movement of the lower limb. --- 2. Anatomy of the Hip Hip Joint The hip is a ball-and-socket synovial joint. - Ball: Head of femur - Socket: Acetabulum of pelvis - Joint type: Synovial, ball-and-socket - Main function: Weight bearing and movement Bones The hip region mainly consists of: 1. Femur 2. Ilium 3. Ischium 4. Pubis The three parts of the pelvis—ilium, ischium, and pubis—form the acetabulum. Important Bony Landmarks - Acetabulum - Head and neck of femur - Greater trochanter - Lesser trochanter - Iliac crest - Ischial tuberosity --- 3. Structure of the Hip A. Articular Surfaces The head of the femur fits into the acetabulum. The acetabulum is deepened by the acetabular labrum, which increases joint stability. B. Joint Capsule The hip has a strong fibrous capsule surrounding the joint. C. Ligaments Major hip ligaments include: - Iliofemoral ligament – prevents excessive hip extension. - Pubofemoral ligament – limits excessive abduction and extension. - Ischiofemoral ligament – helps limit excessive internal rotation. - Ligament of head of femur – provides additional support and carries a small blood supply. D. Muscles Flexors - Iliopsoas - Rectus femoris - Sartorius Extensors - Gluteus maximus - Hamstrings Abductors - Gluteus medius - Gluteus minimus Adductors - Adductor longus - Adductor brevis - Adductor magnus Rotators - Internal and external rotator muscles --- 4. Movements of the Hip Movement| Main Muscles Flexion| Iliopsoas, rectus femoris Extension| Gluteus maximus, hamstrings Abduction| Gluteus medius/minimus Adduction| Adductors Internal Rotation| TFL, anterior gluteus medius External Rotation| Gluteus maximus, deep rotators --- 5. Functional Relationship of the Hip The hip works closely with the pelvis, knee, ankle, and trunk to produce efficient movement. A. Hip and Pelvis Hip muscles control pelvic position during standing and walking. The gluteus medius helps maintain pelvic stability during single-leg standing. B. Hip and Knee Hip and knee movements are closely related. Example: During squatting, hip and knee flex together to lower the body. Weak hip muscles can increase stress on the knee. C. Hip and Spine The hip and lumbar spine work together during bending and lifting. Limited hip mobility may cause excessive movement of the lumbar spine. D. Hip During Walking The hip helps to: - Move the leg forward - Move the body forward - Maintain pelvic stability - Absorb and transfer forces --- 6. Pathomechanics of the Hip Pathomechanics means abnormal movement or mechanical changes caused by injury, disease, weakness, or deformity. A. Osteoarthritis Problem: Cartilage degeneration. Effects: - Pain - Stiffness - Reduced ROM - Difficulty wal