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The hip
joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head
of the femur, or thigh bone, and the acetabulum of the pelvis.
This grouping supports weight bearing as well as absorbing
the forces created by physical activity, standing, and sitting. |
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Strong capsular ligaments surround and support
the hip joint,
and muscles from the lower back, pelvis and thigh contribute
to strength and stability. The head of the femur is covered
with a smooth layer of cartilage, which helps to absorb shock
and reduce friction during movement, while synovial fluid further
cushions the joint and transports essential nutrients to joint
structures.
Important differences exist in the size
and structure of the hip
and pelvis in men and women. A woman's bone structure is
slightly less dense
than a man's, and the pelvis is smaller,
shorter and wider. Additionally, the bony protrusions for muscle
attachment are not as sharply defined.
Common Hip Problems:
• Muscle Strain
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Fracture
Common Procedures:
Hip Replacement
Hip replacements are among the most common orthopedic procedures.
When a hip replacement is performed, the arthritic damaged hip
joint is removed. The ball-and-socket hip joint is then replaced
with an artificial implant. The materials used in the implant
depend on several factors, including the age of the patient,
the activity level
of the patient, and the surgeon's preference.
Materials commonly used are metal, plastic and ceramic.
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