höfter

Höfter is the plural form of höft in Swedish and refers to the hips or hip joints in the human body. Each side connects the femur to the pelvis, forming the ball-and-socket hip joint, which allows a wide range of motion while supporting body weight.

Anatomy: The hip joint consists of the femoral head and the acetabulum of the pelvis, enclosed by a strong capsule and reinforced by ligaments including the iliofemoral, pubofemoral and ischiofemoral ligaments, as well as the ligamentum teres. The joint is lined by synovial membrane and covered with articular cartilage. Muscles around the hip, such as the gluteal group, hip flexors, abductors and adductors, control movement. Nerves and vessels, including the femoral nerve and the femoral and circumflex arteries, supply sensation and blood flow.

Function: The hips bear weight during standing and walking, enable locomotion, and provide stability and rotational movement. Proper hip function is important for gait, posture and balance.

Clinical relevance: Hip pain is commonly due to osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, or bursitis. Common conditions include hip fracture in older adults, often after a fall, and hip dysplasia in infants. Treatments range from physical therapy to medications and, in severe cases, total hip arthroplasty (hip replacement).

Variations and health: Hip health is influenced by age, activity level, body weight and bone density. Preventive measures include regular exercise, weight management and risk-factor management for osteoporosis.