| The human hip, like
the shoulder, is a ball-and-socket joint in which the ball of
the femur (thigh bone) fits into the socket of the pelvic bone.
As the most flexible, free-moving joint in the body, the normal
hip can move backwards and forwards, from side-to-side and can
twist. Like other
free-moving joints, the hip contains a small amount of synovial
fluid which lubricates the joint whenever you move. It is held
together with ligaments, straps of tough tissue, which help
prevent the joint from dislocating. Full function of the hip
joint depends on the successful coordination of many
interrelated parts including bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments
and nerves.
In patients with osteoarthritis,
one of the most common reasons for hip replacement surgery, the
cartilage in the joint wears down, resulting in bone-on-bone
contact, causing pain and limited activity. |
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