Hip Joint Anatomy and Clinical Correlations

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical classification, articular surfaces, capsular ligaments, muscular movements, neurovascular supply, and clinical correlations of the hip joint.

Hip Joint (Anatomical Classification)

A synovial, multiaxial ball-and-socket joint that connects the pelvis with the lower limb, transferring body weight and permitting movement in multiple planes.

Lunate Surface

The smooth, horseshoe-shaped articular area of the acetabulum covered with hyaline cartilage that articulates with the femoral head.

Femoral Head

The proximal spherical articular surface of the femur, forming approximately $\frac{2}{3}$ of a sphere, facing medially and superiorly.

Acetabulum

The deep cup-shaped socket on the lateral aspect of the hip bone formed by the confluence of the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Acetabular Fossa

The central, non-articular depression located in the floor of the acetabulum containing fat and attachments for the ligament of the head of the femur.

Acetabular Notch

An inferior interruption or deficiency along the articular margin and rim of the acetabulum.

Acetabular Labrum

A fibrocartilaginous rim attached to the acetabular margin that deepens the socket and increases congruity with the femoral head.

Transverse Acetabular Ligament

A ligament that bridges across the acetabular notch, converting it into a foramen, forming a continuous rim with the labrum, and providing proximal attachment for the ligamentum teres.

Fovea Capitis

A small, non-articular depression located on the femoral head that anchors the ligamentum teres.

Neck-Shaft Angle

The anatomical angle formed between the long axis of the neck of the femur and the femoral shaft, averaging approximately $125^\circ$.

Hip Joint Capsule

A strong fibrous sheath enclosing the joint; proximally attached just outside the acetabular labrum and transverse ligament, and distally attached anteriorly to the intertrochanteric line and posteriorly to the femoral neck proximal to the intertrochanteric crest.

Retinacula

Reflected longitudinal fibers of the fibrous capsule that run along the neck of the femur and transmit blood vessels supplying the femoral head.

Iliopsoas Bursa

A bursa situated anterior to the fibrous capsule of the hip joint that may communicate directly with the joint cavity.

Iliofemoral Ligament

The strongest ligament in the body; an inverted Y-shaped band anterior to the capsule originating from the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) and inserting along the intertrochanteric line to resist hyperextension during standing.

Pubofemoral Ligament

A ligament reinforcing the inferior and anterior capsule, arising from the superior pubic ramus, that limits excessive abduction and extension.

Ischiofemoral Ligament

A ligament reinforcing the posterior capsule with spiral fibers arising from the posterior acetabular region that restricts internal (medial) rotation.

Ligamentum Teres (Round Ligament)

An intracapsular band attaching from the acetabular notch and transverse ligament to the fovea capitis, conveying a small acetabular branch of the obturator artery.

Iliopsoas

The principal muscle responsible for flexing the thigh at the hip joint.

Gluteus Maximus

The primary muscle powering forceful extension of the hip joint.

Gluteus Medius and Minimus

Muscles that act as the principal abductors and medial rotators of the hip joint.

Deep Lateral Rotators of the Hip

A group of deep muscles including the piriformis, obturator internus, and obturator externus that cause outward rotation of the thigh.

Circumduction

A circular composite movement of the hip joint produced by the sequential execution of flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction.

Arterial Supply of the Hip Joint

Blood supply derived primarily from the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, supplemented by branches of the superior gluteal, inferior gluteal, and obturator arteries.

Nerve Supply of the Hip Joint

Articular branches originating from the femoral nerve, obturator nerve, superior gluteal nerve, and the nerve to quadratus femoris.

Femoral Neck Fracture

A clinical fracture common in older adults following falls; intracapsular fractures carry high risk of disrupting retinacular arteries, leading to avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) and limb shortening.

Posterior Hip Dislocation

The most common form of hip dislocation resulting from severe trauma; presents with the affected lower limb flexed, adducted, and medially rotated, with potential for sciatic nerve injury.

Osteoarthritis of the Hip

A clinical condition characterized by progressive articular cartilage degeneration, presenting with pain, stiffness, radiographic joint space narrowing, and possible pain radiation to the knee.