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 union supports weight bearing as well as absorbing
the forces created by physical activity, standing, and sitting.
Strong capsular ligaments
surround and support the hip joint, and muscles from the lower back, the
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.
