1.2.4. Stabilizing Factors of the Hip Joint

Question 1

What is the primary function of the Hip Joint?

Answer 1

To Weight-Bear

Question 2

What factors help to stabilize the Hip Joint?

Answer 2

1. The Acetabulum Depth
2. The Acetabular Labrum

Question 3

What, about the Acetabulum, helps stabilize the Hip Joint?

Answer 3

It is Deep, encompassing nearly all of the Head of the Femur

Question 4

How does the Depth of the Acetabulum help in stabilizing the Hip Joint?

Answer 4

It decreases the chance of the Head of the Femur slipping out (Hip Dislocation)

Question 5

What is the Acetabular Labrum?

Answer 5

A Fibrocartilaginous Collar around the Acetabulum

Question 6

What does the Acetabular Labrum do?

Answer 6

Further increases the Depth of the Hip Joint

Question 7

What advantage does the increase in Depth, due to the Acetabular Labrum, bring?

Answer 7

An increased articulating surface area, increasing the stability of the Hip Joint

Question 8

How many stabilizing Ligaments of the Hip Joint are there?

Answer 8

3

Question 9

What are the 3 stabilizing Ligaments of the Hip Joint?

Answer 9

1. Iliofemoral Ligament
2. Pubofemoral Ligament
3. Ischiofemoral Ligament

Question 10

How do Ligaments help stabilize the Hip Joint?

Answer 10

They are very strong and prevent hyperextension of the Hip Joint

Question 11

What orientation are the stabilising ligaments of the hip joint in?

Answer 11

They are arranged in a spiral orientation

Question 12

What is the advantage of the stabilizing Ligaments being arranged in a spiral orientation?

Answer 12

They become tighter as the joint is extended

Question 13

What works in a reciprocal fashion with the Ligaments of the Hip Joint?

Answer 13

Muscles of the Hip Joint

Question 14

Which, Muscles or Ligaments, are more prevalent (stronger) Anteriorly?

Answer 14

1. Ligaments are strongest
2. Medial Flexors (located anteriorly) are fewer and weaker

Question 15

Which, Muscles or Ligaments, are more prevalent (stronger) Posteriorly?

Answer 15

1. Ligaments are weakest
2. Medial Rotators are greater in number and stronger

Question 16

What actions do the Medial Rotators have on the Hip Joint?

Answer 16

The Medial Rotators essentially pull the Head of the Femur into the Acetabulum