Hofteledd

Hofteledd, or hip joint, is the ball-and-socket joint formed by the proximal femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. It is a major weight-bearing joint of the lower limb, enabling a wide range of motion while supporting the body in standing, walking, and running.

Anatomy and components: The joint is encapsulated by a strong fibrous capsule reinforced by three main ligaments: the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments. The acetabulum is rimmed by the acetabular labrum, a fibrocartilaginous ring that deepens the socket and helps seal the joint. The femoral head and the acetabulum are covered with articular cartilage, and the capsule contains the synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid. The ligamentum teres connects the femoral head to the acetabulum, but it contributes little to stability in adults. The joint receives blood supply from branches of the femoral, obturator, and superior gluteal arteries, including the medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries. Innervation comes from articular branches of the femoral, obturator, and sciatic nerves.

Function and movement: The hip joint allows flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and internal and external rotation, with movement patterns often occurring in combination due to the spherical geometry. Static stability is provided by the bony fit, labral seal, and ligaments, while dynamic stability is afforded by surrounding muscles and tendons that control movement and load transfer during activity.

Clinical relevance: Common conditions affecting the hofteledd include osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement, labral tears, hip dislocation, and fractures of the femoral neck or acetabulum. Evaluation typically involves imaging to assess joint congruence, cartilage integrity, and surrounding soft tissues.