The Hip & Pelvis

 

The part of the kinetic chain that transmits a load from the foot to the spine and vice versa in all three planes of movement. The pelvis consists of the sacrum, the coccyx, and the two hip bones. Each hip bone is formed by the fusion of three smaller bones: ilium, ischium, and pubis.

 

The Hip Joint

 

One of the most important joints in the human body. It enables us to carry our own body weight and walk, run, and jump. It also has a large range of motion: 360 degrees of circumduction by the femur.

 

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint formed between the os coxa (hip bone) and the femur. The acetabulum is the round socket for the joint and the head of the femur forms the ball of the joint. 

 

Hyaline cartilage lines the joint providing a cushioning and gliding mechanism against forces, impacts, and a shock absorber. 

The joint is surrounded by strong ligaments that disables the joint from dislocated unless acted upon by a very strong force.