Hip
What is the hip?
The hip is the joint where the thigh bone (femur) and the pelvis meet.
It has two main parts:
- The “ball” at the end of the femur.
- The “socket” cavity in the pelvis.
The hip is a spheroidal or “ball-and-socket” joint in which the ball of the femur fits inside the socket of the pelvis. As a result, the hips are very stable and permit a wide range of movement.
The hip has a complex structure, owing to the weight it must bear and the essential function it performs. It is composed of:
- An extensive set of bones
- Ligaments
- Vessels
- Muscles
What is the function of the hip?
The hip is the joint that unites the upper body with the lower body. Therefore, its correct functioning is fundamental in allowing our body to move correctly.
The hip is designed for mobility as well as stability. It enables the lower limbs to move in three planes, and also provides an important shock-absorbing function for the lower limbs and the upper body.
What diseases affect the hip?
Some of the diseases and conditions that can affect the hips are:
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Arthritis of the hip
- Hip fracture
- Congenital hip dysplasia
- Epiphysiolysis of the femoral head
- Snapping hip syndrome
- Hip dislocation
- Trochanteric bursitis
- Hip joint distension
Treatment of hip problems can include rest, medications, physiotherapy or surgery, including hip replacement surgery.


Guide to the costs of hip surgery
By Mr Rishi Chana
2022-07-07
Hip surgery can change your life for the better after suffering from conditions such as arthritis. However, the costs of the procedure are something to think about when considering surgery. Leading hip surgeon Mr Rishi Chana is here with a handy guide to the costs of hip surgery. See more


Hip pain, groin pain and what causes them
By Mr Dean Michael
2022-07-07
Hip and groin pain is no laughing matter, and it is not a problem that is limited to elderly people. Sports injuries, accidents, and many other factors can lead to pain, so we asked consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Dean Michael to tell us more. See more


Hip problems in young adults: why does my hip hurt?
By Mr Dean Michael
2022-07-07
For those of us who are regularly active, we are not immune to the potential damage that can occur to the body over time. Here, expert orthopaedic surgeon Mr Dean Michael explains everything that you need to know about hip problems in young adults. See more


All you need to know about hip replacement in young adults
By Mr Adam Cohen
2022-07-07
Nowadays, it is becoming more common for the younger, sporty generation to have hip replacements. We've asked one of our expert orthopaedic surgeons Mr Adam Cohen just why a hip replacement may be necessary and what life will be like after surgery in young people. See more
-
Mr Pramod Achan
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hip
- Hip prosthesis
- Hip arthroscopy
- Sport surgery
- Hip replacement
- Knee arthroscopy
-
Mr Henry Atkinson
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Sports injuries
- Knee cartilage replacement
- Meniscus
- Foot and ankle
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Knee replacement
-
Mr Arjuna Imbuldeniya
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Hip
- Knee
- Robotic surgery
- Knee arthroscopy
- Knee replacement
-
Professor Xavier Griffin
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Traumatic injury
- Fracture
- Muscle injuries
- Sports traumatology
- Arthritis
- Hip
-
Mr Amol Chitre
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hip replacement
- Revision hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Traumatic injury
- Hip
- Knee
- See all