The ‘Normal’ Hip

The hip is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints.  It consists of two main parts: a ball (femoral head) at the top of the thighbone (femur) that fits into a rounded socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis.  Bands of tissue called ligaments (hip capsule) connect the ball to the socket and provide stability to the joint.

The bone surfaces of the ball and socket have a smooth durable cover of articular cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones and enables them to move easily.

A thin, smooth tissue called synovial membrane covers all remaining surfaces of the hip joint.  In a healthy hip, this membrane makes a small amount of fluid that lubricates and almost eliminates friction in the hip joint allowing pain-free movement.