Connecting the pelvic girdle with the lower limb, the hip joint provides stability while allowing diverse movements in different directions. It consists of a synovial articulation formed by a ball and socket, where the head of the femur is the ball and the acetabulum of the pelvic bone is the socket.

Movements.

The hip joint includes multiaxial movements, such as:

  • Flexion.
  • Extension.
  • Abduction.
  • Medial and lateral rotation.
  • Circumduction.
Articular surfaces.

The hip joint consists of two articular surfaces: the head of the femur and the acetabulum.

The head of the femur.

Appearing as a semi-sphere, it is covered by thick articular cartilage, except for the fovea for the ligament of the head of the femur, which connects the two surfaces.

The acetabulum.

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