Hip Joint Anatomy
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The hip joint (see the image below) is a ball-and-socket synovial joint: the ball is the femoral head, and the socket is the acetabulum. The hip joint is the articulation of the pelvis with the femur, which connects the axial skeleton with the lower extremity. The adult os coxae, or hip bone, is formed by the fusion of the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis, which occurs by the end of the teenage years. The 2 hip bones form the bony pelvis, along with the sacrum and the coccyx, and are united anteriorly by the pubic symphysis.
Femur
The femur is the longest and heaviest bone in the human body. It consists of a superior or proximal end, a shaft, and an inferior or distal end (see the image below).
The superior end of the bone is the articulating side of the femur to the acetabulum. The upper femoral epiphysis closes by 16 years of age.
The trabecular bone configuration in the proximal femur obeys Wolff’s Law, which states that bony structures orient themselves in form and mass so as to best resist extrinsic forces. The principal compressive group, the principal tensile group, the greater trochanteric group, the secondary tensile group, the secondary compressive group, and, finally, Ward’s triangle can be found.
The superior end of the femur consists of a head, a neck, and greater and lesser trochanters. The head of the femur is angled superomedially and slightly anteriorly when articulating with the acetabulum. The head is attached to the femoral body or shaft by the neck of the femur.
The superior border of the neck begins just lateral to the femoral head and ends distally at the greater trochanter. The inferior border of the neck begins lateral to the femoral head and extends to the inferior trochanter. The superior border is shorter and thicker than the inferior border. The anterior surface of the neck is rough in comparison to the smooth femoral head. The neck’s posterior surface has a concave appearance. The head and neck are at an angle of 130º (± 7º) to the shaft. The angle is larger at birth and decreases with age.
The greater trochanter is a bony prominence on the anterolateral surface of the proximal shaft of the femur, distal to the femoral neck. It serves as the insertion site for the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. The lesser trochanter is a bony prominence on the proximal medial aspect of the femoral shaft, just distal to the femoral neck. It serves as the iliopsoas insertion site.
The intertrochanteric line is a raised area that extends from the greater to the lesser trochanter anteriorly. This connection posteriorly is called the intertrochanteric crest, which contains the calcar femorale, another anatomic location on the femoral neck. The calcar femorale is a vertically oriented plate of dense cancellous bone from the posteromedial portion of the femoral shaft radiating superiorly toward the greater trochanter. [1]
Pelvis
At birth, each pelvic half consists of 3 separate primary bones: the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis (see the images below). These bones are joined by hyaline cartilage.
In infants and children, these large parts of the hip bones are incompletely ossified. At puberty, the 3 primary bones are still separated by a Y-shaped triradiate cartilage centered in the acetabulum. The primary bones begin to fuse at 15-17 years. Fusion is complete between 20-25 years of age. The fact that these bones were originally separate is fairly undetectable in adult bones on imaging. Although the parts of the hip bone are fused in adulthood, they are still referred to by their separate origins. [2]
Ilium
The ilium is the largest part of the hip bone and makes up the superior part of the acetabulum. The ala provides an insertion point for the gluteal muscles laterally and the iliacus muscle medially.
Anteriorly, the ilium has an anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS); inferior to this is an anterior inferior iliac spine. From the ASIS, anteriorly, the iliac crest comes around laterally and continues posterior to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). The PSIS marks the superior point of the greater sciatic notch.
The lateral surface of the ilium has 3 rough curved lines: the posterior, anterior, and inferior gluteal lines. Medially, the ilium has an iliac fossa. Posteriorly, the medial aspect of the ilium has an auricular surface. [2]
Ischium
The ischium is the inferior aspect of the pelvis. The superior part of the body of the ischium fuses with the pubis and ilium, forming the posteroinferior aspect of the acetabulum.
The ramus of the ischium joins the inferior ramus of the pubis to form a bar of bone called the ischiopubic ramus, which constitutes the inferomedial boundary of the obturator foramen. The posterior border of the ischium forms the lower margin of a deep indentation the greater sciatic notch. The large triangular ischial spine at the inferior margin of this notch is a sharp demarcation separating the greater sciatic notch from a smaller rounded inferior indentation called the lesser sciatic notch.
The bony projection at the inferior end of the body of the ischium and its ramus is the ischial tuberosity. [2]
Pubis
The pubis makes up the anteromedial part of the hip bone and contributes the anterior part of the acetabulum. The pubis has a flat body and 2 rami: superior and inferior.
Medially, the symphyseal surface of the body of the pubis articulates at the pubic symphysis with the surface of the body of the contralateral pubis. The anterosuperior border of the united bodies and symphysis forms the pubic crest. The pubic tubercles, small projections at the lateral ends of this crest where the inguinal ligaments attach medially, are extremely important landmarks of the inguinal regions. The posterosuperior aspect of the superior ramus of the pubis is called the pectin pubis.
The obturator foramen is an oval opening formed by the rami of the pubis and the ischium. The obturator canal houses the obturator nerve and vessels. [2]
Acetabulum
As indicated above, the acetabulum is formed from parts of the ilium, ischium, and pubis. The acetabulum is the cup-shaped socket on the lateral aspect of the pelvis, which articulates with the head of the femur to form the hip joint.
The margin of the acetabulum is deficient inferiorly. An additional fibrocartilaginous margin of the acetabulum is referred to as the acetabular labrum. The labrum functions to deepen the acetabulum, thus holding the femoral head more securely. The lunate is the articular surface of the acetabulum to the femoral head. The rough depression in the floor of the acetabulum is the acetabular fossa, which is continuous with the acetabular notch.
The transverse acetabular ligament is located along the inferior aspect of the acetabulum; it prevents the femoral head from moving inferiorly by deepening the acetabulum inferiorly.
The hip joint contains a strong fibrous capsule that attaches proximally to the acetabulum and transverse acetabular ligament and distally to the neck of the femur anteriorly at the greater trochanter (see the image below). Posteriorly, the fibrous capsule crosses to the neck 1-1.5 cm proximal to the intertrochanteric crest.
Most of the fibers go from the hip bone to the intertrochanteric line, but some deeper fibers go around the neck, forming the orbicular zone, which holds the femoral neck in the acetabulum. The anterior capsule of the hip is the strongest and thickest part.
This capsule is composed of 3 ligaments. The iliofemoral ligament, sometimes referred to as the Y ligament of Bigelow, attaches to the anterior inferior iliac spine and the acetabular rim proximally and takes an inferolateral direction to insert on the intertrochanteric line distally. It is the strongest part of the capsule. The iliofemoral ligament prevents hyperextension of the hip joint during standing by holding the femoral head within the acetabulum.
The ischiofemoral ligament reinforces the capsule posteriorly. It originates on the ischial part of the acetabular rim and spirals superolaterally to the neck of the femur, medial to the greater trochanter. This ligament, like the iliofemoral, also prevents hyperextension and holds the femoral head within the acetabulum.
The pubofemoral ligament reinforces the capsule anteriorly and inferiorly. It begins from the obturator crest of the pubic bone and passes inferolaterally to join the fibrous capsule of the hip joint. This ligament prevents overabduction of the hip joint. [2]
An iliopectineal bursa lies anteriorly over the gap in the ligaments, beneath the iliopsoas tendon.
There are several additional structures of importance related to the fibrous capsule. Lining the fibrous capsule is the synovial membrane. It covers the neck of the femur between the attachment of the fibrous capsule and the edge of the articular cartilage of the head; it also covers the nonarticular area of the acetabulum, providing a covering for the ligament of the femoral head.
Retinacula, which contain blood vessels, are deep longitudinal fibers of the capsule that go superiorly from the femoral neck and blend with the periosteum. The bursa is considered the synovial extension beyond the free margin of the fibrous capsule onto the posterior aspect of the femoral neck.
The ligament of the femoral head is weak. It attaches to the margins of the acetabular notch and the transverse acetabular ligament; its narrow end attaches to the pit in the head of the femur. Usually the ligament contains a small artery to the head of the femur. [2]
A fat pad in the acetabular fossa is covered with synovial membrane. It fills the acetabular area that is not filled by the femoral head.
The nerve supply to the hip joint is outlined in Table 1 and the images below. [3]
Table 1. Nerves of Hip Joint (Open Table in a new window)
Nerve
Root level
Sensory
Motor
Genitofemoral
L1-2
Proximal anteromedial thigh
None in hip and thigh
Obturator
L2-4
Inferomedial thigh
Gracilis (anterior division)
Adductor longus (anterior division)
Adductor brevis (anterior/posterior division)
Adductor magnus (posterior division)
Lateral femoral cutaneous
L2-3
Lateral thigh
None
Femoral
L2-4
Anteromedial thigh
Psoas major
Sartorius
Articularis genus
Rectus femoris
Vastus lateralis
Vastus intermedius
Vastus medialis
Tibial
L4-S3
None in thigh
Biceps femoris (long head)
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
Common fibular (peroneal)
L4-S2
None in thigh
Biceps femoris (short head)
Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve
S1-3
Posterior thigh
None
The muscles of the hip joint are outlined in Table 2 and the images below. [3]
Table 2. Muscles of Hip Joint (Open Table in a new window)
Muscle
Action
Nerve
Sartorius
Hip flexion, external rotation
Femoral nerve
Iliopsoas
Hip flexion
Femoral nerve
Pectineus
Hip flexion
Femoral nerve
Rectus femoris
Hip flexion, leg extension
Femoral nerve
Adductor magnus (anterior part)
Hip flexion, adduction
Obturator
Adductor magnus (posterior part)
Thigh extension
Tibial
Gracilis
Hip flexion, adduction, internal rotation
Obturator
Tensor fascia lata
Hip flexion, abduction
Superior gluteal nerve
Adductor brevis
Hip adduction
Obturator nerve (posterior division)
Adductor longus
Hip adduction
Obturator nerve (anterior division)
Pectineus
Hip adduction, flexion
Femoral
Obturator externus
Thigh external rotation
Obturator nerve posterior division
Gluteus maximus
Lateral rotation, extension
Inferior gluteal nerve
Piriformis
Lateral rotation
Nerve to piriformis
Obturator internus
Lateral rotation
Nerve to obturator internus
Gemellus superior
Lateral rotation
Nerve to obturator internus
Gemellus inferior
Lateral rotation
Nerve to quadratus femoris
Quadratus femoris
Lateral rotation
Nerve to quadratus femoris
Gluteus medius
Hip abduction
Superior gluteal nerve
Gluteus minimus
Hip abduction
Superior gluteal nerve
Semimembranosus
Thigh extension, leg flexion
Tibial
Semitendinosus
Thigh extension, leg flexion
Tibial
Biceps femoris, long head
Thigh extension, leg flexion
Tibial
Biceps femoris, short head
Thigh extension, leg flexion
Common fibular
The arteries of the hip are outlined in Table 3 and the image below. [3]
Table 3. Arteries of Hip Joint (Open Table in a new window)
Artery
Branches
Obturator
Anterior and posterior branches
Femoral
In femoral triangle, runs in medial thigh between vastus medialis and adductor longus, in adductor canal, through adductor hiatus, then becomes popliteal artery behind knee
Superficial circumflex iliac
Superficial epigastric
Superficial external pudendal
Deep external pudendal
Deep femoral artery
Descending genicular artery
Articular branch
Saphenous branch
Deep femoral artery
Medial circumflex femoral: major supply to femoral neck
Lateral circumflex femoral: also supplies femoral neck
Ascending branch
Transverse branch
Descending branch
Perforators/muscular branches
Artery
Course
Obturator
Artery of ligament teres
Runs through ligament of femoral head
Deep femoral artery
Medial circumflex femoral
Ascending branch
Descending branch
Lateral circumflex femoral
Ascending branch
Cervical branches
Retinacular arteries
Transverse branch
Descending branch
Branches from femoral artery in femoral triangle
Between pectineus and iliopsoas to posterior femoral neck
Runs on quadratus femoris deep to sartorius and rectus femoris to greater trochanter anteriorly
Extracapsular branches of anastomosis
Intracapsular branches: run along neck, enter bone at base of femoral head
Extends laterally
Under rectus femoris
Koval K, Zuckerman J. Femoral neck fractures. Handbook of Fractures. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2002. 176-177.
Moore K, Dalley A. Lower limb. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 4th ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999. 504-613.
Thompson J. Pelvis. Netter’s Concise Atlas of Orthopaedic Anatomy. Teterboro, NJ: Icon Learning Systems; 2002. 182-190.
Nerve
Root level
Sensory
Motor
Genitofemoral
L1-2
Proximal anteromedial thigh
None in hip and thigh
Obturator
L2-4
Inferomedial thigh
Gracilis (anterior division)
Adductor longus (anterior division)
Adductor brevis (anterior/posterior division)
Adductor magnus (posterior division)
Lateral femoral cutaneous
L2-3
Lateral thigh
None
Femoral
L2-4
Anteromedial thigh
Psoas major
Sartorius
Articularis genus
Rectus femoris
Vastus lateralis
Vastus intermedius
Vastus medialis
Tibial
L4-S3
None in thigh
Biceps femoris (long head)
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
Common fibular (peroneal)
L4-S2
None in thigh
Biceps femoris (short head)
Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve
S1-3
Posterior thigh
None
Muscle
Action
Nerve
Sartorius
Hip flexion, external rotation
Femoral nerve
Iliopsoas
Hip flexion
Femoral nerve
Pectineus
Hip flexion
Femoral nerve
Rectus femoris
Hip flexion, leg extension
Femoral nerve
Adductor magnus (anterior part)
Hip flexion, adduction
Obturator
Adductor magnus (posterior part)
Thigh extension
Tibial
Gracilis
Hip flexion, adduction, internal rotation
Obturator
Tensor fascia lata
Hip flexion, abduction
Superior gluteal nerve
Adductor brevis
Hip adduction
Obturator nerve (posterior division)
Adductor longus
Hip adduction
Obturator nerve (anterior division)
Pectineus
Hip adduction, flexion
Femoral
Obturator externus
Thigh external rotation
Obturator nerve posterior division
Gluteus maximus
Lateral rotation, extension
Inferior gluteal nerve
Piriformis
Lateral rotation
Nerve to piriformis
Obturator internus
Lateral rotation
Nerve to obturator internus
Gemellus superior
Lateral rotation
Nerve to obturator internus
Gemellus inferior
Lateral rotation
Nerve to quadratus femoris
Quadratus femoris
Lateral rotation
Nerve to quadratus femoris
Gluteus medius
Hip abduction
Superior gluteal nerve
Gluteus minimus
Hip abduction
Superior gluteal nerve
Semimembranosus
Thigh extension, leg flexion
Tibial
Semitendinosus
Thigh extension, leg flexion
Tibial
Biceps femoris, long head
Thigh extension, leg flexion
Tibial
Biceps femoris, short head
Thigh extension, leg flexion
Common fibular
Artery
Branches
Obturator
Anterior and posterior branches
Femoral
In femoral triangle, runs in medial thigh between vastus medialis and adductor longus, in adductor canal, through adductor hiatus, then becomes popliteal artery behind knee
Superficial circumflex iliac
Superficial epigastric
Superficial external pudendal
Deep external pudendal
Deep femoral artery
Descending genicular artery
Articular branch
Saphenous branch
Deep femoral artery
Medial circumflex femoral: major supply to femoral neck
Lateral circumflex femoral: also supplies femoral neck
Ascending branch
Transverse branch
Descending branch
Perforators/muscular branches
Artery
Course
Obturator
Artery of ligament teres
Runs through ligament of femoral head
Deep femoral artery
Medial circumflex femoral
Ascending branch
Descending branch
Lateral circumflex femoral
Ascending branch
Cervical branches
Retinacular arteries
Transverse branch
Descending branch
Branches from femoral artery in femoral triangle
Between pectineus and iliopsoas to posterior femoral neck
Runs on quadratus femoris deep to sartorius and rectus femoris to greater trochanter anteriorly
Extracapsular branches of anastomosis
Intracapsular branches: run along neck, enter bone at base of femoral head
Extends laterally
Under rectus femoris
Stephen Kishner, MD, MHA Professor of Clinical Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program Director, Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
Stephen Kishner, MD, MHA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Mariam Chowdhry, DO Resident Physician, Department of Physical Medical and Rehabilitation, Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
Mariam Chowdhry, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pain Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Thomas R Gest, PhD Professor of Anatomy, Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Hip Joint Anatomy
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