The hip joint (Latin: articulatio coxae), also known as the coxofemoral or acetabulofemoral joint, is an articulation formed between the acetabulum of the pelvis and the head of the femur. Therefore, the hip joint connects the pelvic girdle to the lower free extremity. It is classified as the synovial ball and socket type joint.

Hip joint, Anterior view, Posterior view, Joint capsule, Ligaments, Femur, Hip bone — Hip joint by Anatomy.app

Articulating structures of hip joint

The articulating surfaces of the hip joint are as follows:

Hip joint, Articular surfaces, Anterolateral view, Hip bone, Femur, Acetabulum — Articular surfaces of hip joint (anterolateral view) by Anatomy.app

Hip joint, Articular surfaces, Posterior view, Hip bone, Femur — Articular surfaces of hip joint (posterior view) by Anatomy.app

The acetabulum is a cup-like depression on the inferolateral aspect of the pelvis. It is surrounded by a fibrocartilaginous collar - the acetabular lip or acetabular labrum - that is attached to the external margins of the acetabulum. Both articulating structures are enclosed in a fibrous joint capsule that is attached to the outer edge of the acetabulum and acetabular labrum.

Hip joint, Anterior view, Joint capsule, Femur, Hip bone — Joint capsule of hip joint (anterior view) by Anatomy.app

Hip joint, Posterior view, Joint capsule, Femur, Hip bone — Joint capsule of hip joint (posterior view) by Anatomy.app

Ligaments of hip joint

The stability of the hip joint is increased with the help of two ligament groups. They are named based on their location in relation to the fibrous capsule - intracapsular and extracapsular ligaments.

The intracapsular ligaments are located inside the hip joint cavity. In contrast, the extracapsular ligaments are situated outside the capsule and are continuous with the outer surface of it.

Intracapsular ligaments

The hip joint cavity contains two intracapsular ligaments. They are known as follows:

Hip joint, Intracapsular ligaments, Anterolateral view, Femur, Hip bone, Acetabulum — Intracapsular ligaments of hip joint by Anatomy.app

Extracapsular ligaments

The extracapsular ligaments include four strong bands. These ligaments are as follows:

Hip joint, Extracapsular ligaments, Anterior view, Hip bone, Femur — Extracapsular ligaments of hip joint (anterior view) by Anatomy.app

Hip joint, Extracapsular ligaments, Posterior view, Hip bone, Femur — Extracapsular ligaments of hip joint (posterior view) by Anatomy.app

Movements of hip joint

The hip joint is classified as a multiaxial joint, allowing a wide range of motions. However, the movements can be performed with a limited amplitude as this joint is the most important weight-bearing joint and it is more designed to provide stability to the body. The movements provided by the joint are as follows:

Flexion and extension of the thigh

Abduction and adduction of the thigh

Hip joint

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