When the hip rotates or bears weight the synovial fluid is squeezed out.When the hip is at rest, the synovial fluid is stored in the cartilage, much like water in a sponge.This membrane produces synovial fluid, a viscous substance that lubricates and circulates nutrients to the joint. A synovial membrane encapsulates the entire hip joint.Strong and flexible ligaments and tendons provide structure to the hip, reducing strain on the joint, so most hip osteoarthritis therapies will including stretching and strengthening of these structures.Tightness of these ligaments and tendons can cause hip instability and pain. The hip has several ligaments connecting the femur to the pelvis and tendons connecting the bones to many surrounding muscles.When articular cartilage is damaged or thinned, its ability to protect against friction and impact are impeded.

Articular cartilage also acts as a shock absorber, cushioning bones against impacting each other (e.g.

When the femoral head rotates in the acetabulum, the articular cartilage allows the two surfaces to glide against each other.

Articular cartilage is an extremely slippery, strong, flexible material that covers a bone at the site of the joint.

Both the femoral head and the acetabulum are lined with articular cartilage.

The femoral head fits into the acetabulum, the round socket of the pelvic bone.

It is covered with articular cartilage, which serves to decrease friction. At the top of the femur bone is the greater trochanter, that boney knob that people often refer to as their hip, and the bulbous 'femoral head' which makes contact with the pelvis and forms the ball of the ball and socket joint.

The femur bone is the longest bone in the body, extending from the knee to the hip.

The hip is located where the top of the femur bone, or thighbone, fits into the pelvis.

The hip joint is constructed and functions as follows: Hip problems occur when any one of these components starts to degenerate or is in some way compromised or irritated. Synovial membrane and fluid, which encapsulates the hip joint and lubricates it, respectively.Hip ligaments and tendons, tough, fibrous tissues that bind bones to bones and muscles to bones and.Hip muscles that both support the joint and enable movement.Hip articular cartilage that decreases friction between the bones and allows for a smooth gliding motion.Hip bones, including the femur and pelvic bones.Rotation - pointing toes inward (internal rotation) or outward (external rotation) and then moving the straightened leg in the direction of the toes.Īlso known as the acetabulofemoral joint, the hip joint is comprised of these basic components:.Hip abduction and adduction - moving the leg out to the side (abduction) and inward toward the other leg (adduction) and.Hip flexion and extension - moving the leg back and forth.This ball-and-socket construction allows for three distinct types of flexibility: The hip is located where the head of the femur, or thighbone, fits into a rounded socket of the pelvis.

Normal hip joint anatomy xray