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YOUR HIP

Learn about your hip, common hip problems and achievable solutions.

YOUR HIP

YOUR HIP

HIP ANATOMY

HIP CONDITIONS

HIP PROCEDURES

YOUR HIP

The hip joint is a simple ball-in-socket structure. The ball-shaped femoral head rotates inside a cup-shaped socket called the acetabulum. Usually this joint works smoothly, with little friction or wear. The well-fitting surfaces of the femoral head and acetabulum which face each other are each lined with a layer of articular cartilage and are lubricated by a thin film of synovial fluid which reduces friction inside the normal hip to less than one tenth that of an ice cube gliding on ice. The labrum is a rim of fibrous cartilage which lines the outer edge of the acetabulum and serves to stabilise and cushion the hip joint.

Over the past ten years, our understanding of hip problems has rapidly advanced. Many young, active patients with hip pain were previously thought to not have treatable problems, and hip arthritis in young adults was previously thought to be due to bad luck or unfortunate genetics. We now know that hip pain can indicate underlying conditions and subtle structural abnormalities that are not only causing symptoms now, but can also cause hip arthritis.

Alongside the recent advancements in understanding of hip problems have come advanced surgical techniques which have dramatically improved our ability to treat these problems. Hip arthroscopy is a relatively new technique that allows hip problems such as impingement, labral tears, tendonitis, ligament problems and loose bodies to be effectively treated with minimally invasive techniques.

HIP ANATOMY

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. At the top of the femur (thigh bone) is the femoral head (ball). The femoral head rests inside the acetabulum (socket), which is an important part of the pelvis bone. The femoral head and acetabulum are covered with smooth articular cartilage (joint surface). Around the edge of the acetabulum is a rubbery rim of tissue called the labrum, which deepens the hip socket and protects the joint surface. The hip joint itself is completely enclosed in a tough layer of tissue called the joint capsule, which keeps fluid inside the hip joint. The hip bones, the joint capsule, and surrounding muscles all help to stabilise and move the hip joint.

HIP CONDITIONS

Dr. Botma performs the following procedures:

    HIP PROCEDURES

    Dr. Botma performs the following procedures: