Hüftkopfes

Hüftkopfes is a German term referring to the femoral head, the uppermost part of the femur, or thigh bone. This spherical structure fits into the acetabulum, a socket in the pelvis, forming the hip joint. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. The smooth articular cartilage covering the femoral head and the acetabulum facilitates effortless movement and reduces friction.

The femoral head is connected to the femoral shaft by the femoral neck. This region is a common site for fractures, particularly in older adults due to osteoporosis, which weakens the bones. Fractures of the femoral head or neck can significantly impact mobility and often require surgical intervention, such as hip replacement. The blood supply to the femoral head is crucial for its health and is primarily provided by the medial circumflex femoral artery. Disruption of this blood supply, often seen in femoral neck fractures or dislocations, can lead to avascular necrosis, a condition where bone tissue dies due to lack of blood.