hips

The hips refer to the region where the upper legs connect to the pelvis, including the hip joints and surrounding soft tissues. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket formed by the femoral head fitting into the acetabulum of the pelvis, enabling mobility and weight bearing.

Anatomy: The pelvis is made of three bones—the ilium, ischium, and pubis—that fuse to form the hip bone. The acetabulum accepts the femoral head and is lined by articular cartilage with a fibrocartilaginous labrum that deepens the socket. Strong ligaments, a large capsule, and nearby muscles provide stability. The region also contains muscles such as the gluteals, hip flexors, abductors, and adductors that cross the joint.

Function: The hips transmit the body's weight to the lower limbs and permit movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. They act as a central pillar for gait, balance, and shock absorption, distributing forces during standing, walking, running, and jumping.

Common conditions: Osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement, labral tears, hip fractures, bursitis, and tendinopathies are frequent hip problems. Diagnosis combines physical examination with imaging (X-ray, MRI). Treatments range from physical therapy and activity modification to anti-inflammatory medications and, when needed, surgical options such as hip replacement or hip arthroscopy.

Development and health: Hip development begins in childhood; developmental dysplasia of the hip occurs when the joint forms abnormally. Maintaining bone health is important for aging adults to reduce fracture risk.