Hip Flashcards
What is the primary design function of the hip joint?
The hip is designed for stability and weight-bearing, while also providing a large amount of mobility.
How does the hip joint support and translate forces in the
It supports and translates the weight of the upper body to the lower extremities and also translates forces from the lower extremity to the upper body.
What role does the acetabular labrum play in hip joint stability?
The acetabular labrum deepens the articulation and creates a “suction cup” effect to enhance joint stability.
What function does the transverse ligament serve in the hip joint?
It converts the acetabular notch into a foramen, allowing nutrient vessels and nerves to enter the joint cavity.
What are the main ligaments that reinforce the hip joint capsule?
The iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments.
What is the function of the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments in terms of hip movement?
They allow large amounts of flexion but limit extension.
How are the hip ligaments positioned when the hip is in a neutral position, and why?
They are coiled/twisted in neutral, which helps stabilize the hip joint.
What is the position of increased stability (close-packed position) for the hip joint?
Extension (15 degrees), medial rotation (40 degrees), and abduction (50 degrees).
What is the position of decreased stability (loose-packed position) for the hip joint?
Flexion, abduction, and external rotation.
What is the typical end feel for hip movements?
The normal end feel is often capsular, but hip flexion can elicit a soft tissue approximation end feel.
What is the capsular pattern of the hip joint?
Flexion, abduction, and medial rotation (order may vary).
What is the normal range of motion for hip flexion?
110-120 degrees.
T/F Acetabular depth is universal it is the same in every person?
*False
Acetabular depth is NOT universal it varies person to person
What is the normal range of motion for hip extension?
10-15 degrees.
What is the normal range of motion for hip abduction?
30-50 degrees.
What is the normal range of motion for hip adduction?
30 degrees.
What is the normal range of motion for hip lateral (external) rotation?
40-60 degrees.
What is the normal range of motion for hip medial (internal) rotation?
35-45 degrees.
Why is it important to assess the pelvis and lumbar spine when investigating hip dysfunction?
The pelvis (sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis) and lumbar spine are closely interconnected with the hip, so dysfunction in one area can affect the others.
What is nutation in iliosacral movement?
Nutation, or sacral flexion, is when the sacral base moves anteriorly and the apex moves posteriorly. The innominate bone rotates posteriorly (ASIS moves superiorly, PSIS moves inferiorly).
What is counternutation in iliosacral movement?
Counternutation, or sacral extension, is when the sacral base moves posteriorly and the apex moves anteriorly. The innominate bone rotates anteriorly (ASIS moves inferiorly, PSIS moves superiorly).
Which ligaments support the sacroiliac (SI) joints?
The anterior and posterior SI ligaments support the SI joints. Additionally, the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments are accessory ligaments that limit nutation.
Why are the SI joints relevant when discussing hip function?
Gluteus maximus, piriformis, and biceps femoris are primary hip movers and are functionally connected to the sacroiliac joint ligaments. Dysfunction in the hip or SI joint can cause or result from dysfunction in the other.
What must we consider to understand the mechanics of the hip?
We must consider how the hip functions in both an open kinematic chain (like walking and running) and a closed-chain scenario (like the stance phase in walking/running).
What happens during open-chain hip movements?
In an open chain, the prime movers of the hip contract to move the hip through its range of motion. Simultaneously, the abdominal muscles, erector spinae, multifidus, and quadratus lumborum contract to stabilize the pelvis.
How is the hip and pelvis stabilized during the stance phase of walking/running (closed-chain)?
The hip and pelvis are stabilized by the contraction of the hip flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors.
Which muscles stabilize the pelvis when the foot is on the ground (stance phase)?
The gluteal muscles stabilize the pelvis when the foot is on the ground.
Which muscles stabilize the pelvis when the foot is in the air (swing phase)?
The abdominal muscles stabilize the pelvis when the foot is in the air.
In which plane does lateral pelvic tilt occur?
Lateral pelvic tilt occurs in the coronal plane.
What happens during a lateral pelvic tilt?
One side of the pelvis elevates (hip hike), while the other side lowers (hip/pelvis drop).
What is a common cause of lateral pelvic tilt?
Weakness of the gluteus medius and other hip abductors.
Why is the gluteus medius more valuable as a dynamic stabilizer than as a hip abductor?
The gluteus medius stabilizes the pelvis and lower extremity dynamically during activities like walking and running, particularly in maintaining a neutral pelvis during single-leg stance.
What happens when there is a weak right gluteus medius while standing on the right limb?
The left hip will drop.
What occurs if the left gluteus medius is weak in terms of pelvic stability?
The left hip will hike (adduct), the right hip will drop (abduct), and the spine will laterally flex toward the elevated stance side to prevent falling.
What are patient presentations that may indicate the need to check gluteus medius strength or inhibition?
• Abnormal gait (Trendelenberg)
• Knee pain
• Low back pain
• Foot pain
• “Cross-over” with running
What is Trendelenberg gait, and why might it be relevant for assessing gluteus medius strength?
Trendelenberg gait is an abnormal gait where the hip drops on the side opposite the stance leg. It may indicate weakness or inhibition of the gluteus medius, which affects the pelvis’ stability during single-leg stance.
Why might a weak or inhibited gluteus medius lead to knee pain?
A weak gluteus medius fails to stabilize the pelvis, leading to compensatory movements and potential strain on the knee, contributing to knee pain.
How can gluteus medius weakness impact running form, specifically “cross-over”?
With gluteus medius weakness, the pelvis is less stable, potentially causing the legs to cross over the midline during running, which can lead to increased stress on the lower extremities.