- Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists PC (ONS)

The hip is one of the human body's largest weight-bearing joints. It consists of two main parts: a ball at the top of your thighbone and the rounded socket in the pelvis. Ligaments hold the ball into the socket and provide stability to the joint. A smooth protective cover called the articular cartilage covers the bone surfaces of the ball and socket and cushions the ends of the bones, enabling them to move easily against one another.

Common causes of hip pain

Hip pain is a common problem in people over 50 years of age. The most common cause of chronic hip pain and disability is arthritis which includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Bursitis, osteonecrosis and fractures are also leading sources of hip pain.

Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Also known as degenerative or "wear and tear" arthritis, osteoarthritis of the hip typically occurs in adults aged 45 and older, when the cartilage that cushions the joint breaks down and eventually wears away. Characterized by pain and stiffness, severe cases can be profoundly debilitating. ..read more

Hip Bursitis

A "bursa" is a fluid-filled sac and functions as a cushion between bones and the overlying soft tissues. It helps minimize friction between the gliding muscles and the bone. Bursitis is a common problem that causes pain and inflammation on the outside of the joint each time the tendon moves over the bone bursa. ..read more

Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis of the hip is a disabling condition that can lead to the collapsing of the hip joint. The condition occurs when the blood vessels gradually cut off nourishment to the top of the thighbone (femur) where it fits in the hip socket. ..read more

Hip Fracture

Hip fractures are a serious problem for elderly patients with osteoporosis. A hip fracture is usually a break near the top of the thighbone (femur) where it angles into the hip socket and usually makes it too painful to stand. ..read more

For more information on hip injuries and conditions, visit the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons website at http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/category.cfm?topcategory=Hip.

Illustration reproduced with permission from Fischer S, (interim ed): Your Orthopaedic Connection. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Available at http://orthoinfo.aaos.org.org/.