The hip joint (coxo-femoral joint)

What you will learn

• Identify the acetabular and femoral-head articular surfaces, together with the labrum and transverse ligament.
• Describe the capsular attachments and fibre systems that retain the femoral head.
• Recognise the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, ischiofemoral and femoral-head ligaments.
• Relate the gliding structures to hip movements and the main clinical situations described.

Course outline

1. Orienting the hip within the lower limb

   The position, nature and overall logic of the coxo-femoral joint.

   7 min

2. Articular surfaces, labrum and transverse ligament

   The geometry of the acetabulum, femoral head and ring that deepens the socket.

   14 min

3. The joint capsule and retaining fibres

   Capsular attachments and the organisation of superficial, deep and recurrent fibre systems.

   13 min

4. Anterior reinforcements: iliofemoral and pubofemoral ligaments

   The two anterior ligaments, their bundles, attachments and courses.

   14 min

5. Posterior reinforcement and femoral-head ligament

   The ischiofemoral ligament and the three roots of the intracapsular ligament of the head.

   14 min

6. Cartilage and synovium: the gliding structures

   The structures that provide lubricated articular contact and nutrition of the hip.

   9 min

7. Functional anatomy: stability and mobility

   The degrees of freedom and movements permitted by the coxo-femoral joint.

   8 min

8. Clinical anatomy of the hip

   The degenerative, traumatic and inflammatory conditions and vulnerable situations described for this joint.

   12 min