The Hip Joint –
A Simple Guide

The hip is the biggest joint in the body that supports your weight. It’s a ball-and-socket joint where the top of the thigh bone (femur) fits into a hollow in the pelvis (acetabulum).

What Makes Up the Hip?

Bones: The femur (thigh bone) connects with the pelvis to form the joint.

Cartilage: A smooth surface covers the joint so the bones move easily without pain.

Ligaments: Strong bands hold the joint together and keep it stable.

Muscles & Tendons: These surround the joint and help you move your hip. Important muscles include the gluteals (buttocks), hamstrings, and hip flexors.

Nerves & Blood Vessels: Nerves help you feel and move the hip, while blood vessels bring oxygen and nutrients to the area.

Common Disease Affecting the Adult Hip

1. Osteoarthritis

  • By far the most common cause of hip pain in older adults
  • Wear and tear of cartilage causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement

2. Inflammatory Arthritis

  • Can be caused by a wide number of different conditions
  • Can lead to joint damage and deformity over time

3. Trochanteric Bursitis

  • Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) on the outer side of the hip
  • Leads to pain when lying on or moving the hip

4. Snapping Hip Syndrome

  • Tendons catch or rub over bony structures
  • Causes a snapping sound or feeling, sometimes painful

5. Gluteus Medius Tear

  • Injury to one of the key muscles that stabilize the hip and pelvis.
  • It can cause pain on the outer hip, weakness during walking, and difficulty standing on one leg.

6. Hamstring Avulsion

  • A hamstring avulsion occurs when the hamstring tendons tear away from the bone at the sitting bone (ischial tuberosity).
  • It often results from a sudden forceful movement by athletes and causes sharp pain, bruising, and difficulty extending the hip or bending the knee.

Hip Surgical Procedures

Total Hip Replacement:

The damaged ball and socket of the hip are replaced with artificial parts to relieve pain and improve movement.

Hip Resurfacing:

The femoral head is capped with a smooth metal covering instead of being fully replaced, preserving more bone.

Revision Hip Replacement:
A previous hip replacement is redone due to wear, loosening, infection, or dislocation.
Gluteal Tendon Reconstruction:

Torn gluteal tendons (often gluteus medius/minimus) are repaired to restore hip stability and reduce pain.

Hamstring Reattachment:

Torn hamstring tendons are surgically reattached to the pelvis, usually after a complete avulsion injury.