The ball-and-socket joint where the head of the femur meets the cup of the pelvis.
Structure
The hip’s socket is the acetabulum, formed by the meeting of the ilium, ischium, and pubis. The femoral head fits snugly into the socket and is held by strong ligaments and the joint capsule.
Function
The hip handles flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. Strong surrounding muscles produce the force and stability needed to support the body during single-leg stance.
Clinical note
Hip fractures in older adults often involve the femoral neck and require surgical fixation or joint replacement.
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