The hip joint is essentially a ball
and socket joint made up of the pelvis and the femur. The top, or
"ball", of the femur articulates with the acetabulum,
or "socket", of the pelvis. The bones are lined with articular
cartilage which allows for shock absorption and smooth, fluid mobility.
In addition, there is a cartilaginous labrum which adds stability
to the joint.
COMMON HIP CONDITIONS Arthritis
is a very common cause for hip pain. It usually occurs in older
individuals and is gradual in onset. It most commonly manifests
as osteoarthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis is also common.
Osteonecrosis
commonly occurs in young and middle-aged adults. It arises because
of the loss of blood supply to the femoral head which causes death
and collapse of it.
Hip
fractures are very common in elderly patients after a fall.
Symptoms include inability to bear weight and extreme hip pain.
Hip fractures represent a serious health problem in the elderly
because of the associated morbidities, such as pneumonia and blood
clots.