Specialized Toolkit Series: Arthroscopic Hip Treatments-Patient Guide to the Hip & Hip Pathology

Pdf Summary

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket structure that connects the leg to the body, involving the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). This joint is crucial for movement, stability, and supports up to four times the body weight during activities like running and squatting. The joint is cushioned by cartilage and sealed by the labrum, a fibrocartilage ring that also has numerous nerve fibers, which can cause pain if damaged.<br /><br />Hip morphology varies among individuals, with some having shallow (dysplasia) or deep sockets (Pincer FAI), or round versus out-of-round balls (Cam FAI). These different shapes can occasionally result in abnormal joint contact, known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or hip dysplasia, leading to potential instability. While many morphological differences do not cause symptoms or require treatment, they can contribute to hip damage, labral tears, and even early-onset arthritis in symptomatic cases.<br /><br />The labrum plays a vital role in cushioning the joint and maintaining its function by sealing the feminine head. It can tear due to acute injuries or repetitive microtrauma, especially in the presence of bony abnormalities. While labral tears are common and often asymptomatic, meaning they don't always cause pain, all arthritic hips exhibit some degree of labral tearing.<br /><br />Hip dysfunction can lead to pelvic imbalance, impacting other body parts and causing issues like muscle strains, tendonitis, low back pain, and knee pain. Continuous wear and damage can deteriorate cartilage and labrum, culminating in arthritis. Certain activities like sports, weightlifting, and prolonged sitting pose higher risks for hip dysfunction.<br /><br />Overall, hip health is critical for overall body alignment and function, and understanding the intricacies of hip morphology and potential dysfunctions is essential for prevention and management of related issues.

Asset Caption

F. Winston Gwathmey Jr., M.D.

Keywords

hip joint

ball-and-socket

femoral head

acetabulum

femoroacetabular impingement

hip dysplasia

labral tears

arthritis

pelvic imbalance

cartilage damage