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.
Hip replacement surgery: a complete guide
By Mr William Bartlett
2021-05-18
Leading orthopaedic surgeon Mr William Bartlett explains just what exactly happens during hip replacement surgery, the recovery time and how to minimise the risks of surgery. See more
A parent's guide to DDH in babies and young children
By Mr Thomas Crompton
2021-05-18
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a hip condition in which the ball and socket joint doesn't form properly in babies and young children. Orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Thomas Crompton explains what causes it and how it can be treated. See more
Guide to the costs of hip surgery
By Mr Rishi Chana
2021-05-18
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
All you need to know about hip replacement in young adults
By Mr Adam Cohen
2021-05-17
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
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Mr Pramod Achan
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Mr Henry Atkinson
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Mr Arjuna Imbuldeniya
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- Hip
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Professor Xavier Griffin
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
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- Fracture
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Mr Amol Chitre
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hip replacement
- Revision hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Hip
- Traumatic injury
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