Osteology of hip bones and the hip joint

Question 1

What is the unit called that compromises of the hip bones, sacrum and coccyx?

Answer 1

Pelvic girdle

Question 2

What are the three main articulations of the hip bones?

Answer 2

• Sacroiliac joint = articulation with sacrum
• Pubic symphysis = articulation between left and right hip bones
• Hip joint = articulation with the head of femur

Question 3

What are the 3 parts of the hip bones?

Answer 3

• Ilium
• Ischium
• Pubis

Question 4

Describe the bone development of the hip bones (fusion)

Answer 4

• Ilium, ischium and pubis separated by triradiate cartilage
• fusion begins at 15-17
• complete by 20-25

Question 5

What is the acetabulum?

Answer 5

A cup-shaped socket (formed by the ilium, ischium and pubis) that articulates with the head of the femur to form the hip joint

Question 6

What are the 2 important ligaments that attach to the ischium?

Answer 6

1) Sacrospinous ligament = ischial spine to the sacrum (creates the greater sciatic foramen)
2) Sacrotuberous ligament = ischial tuberosity to the sacrum (creates lesser sciatic foramen)

Question 7

What is the importance of the two ligaments attached to the ischium?

Answer 7

Limit rotation of inferior part of the sacrum during transmission of weight of the body down the vertebral column in erect position

Question 8

Describe the hip joint

Answer 8

• Ball and socket
• Synovial joint
• Head of femur and pelvic acetabulum
• Enables mobility without weakening ability of lower limbs to support weight
• Covered in hyaline cartilage

Question 9

What is the acetabular labrum?

Answer 9

Fibrocartilogenous collar encircling the acetabulum deepening it to provide a more secure fit to head of femur (Greater surface area)

Question 10

What is the acetabular notch?

Answer 10

Region where articulation of acetabulum is incomplete (horseshoe) containing fibroelastic fat and synovial membrane

Question 11

What is the fovea capitis?

Answer 11

Small depression in the centre of the femoral head where ligamentum teres attaches

Question 12

What is the linea aspera?

Answer 12

A ridge in the femoral shaft where many muscles attach to (an intermuscular septa)

Question 13

What is the trochlear groove?

Answer 13

Articular surface for the patella in the distal end of the humerus between the two condyles

Question 14

Describe the hip joint capsule

Answer 14

• Strong and tough
• Attaches proximally to the edge of acetabulum
• Attaches distally to intertrochanteric line (anterior) and femoral neck (posteriorly)

Question 15

What is the (only) intracapsular ligament of the hip joint?

Answer 15

Ligamentum teres

Question 16

What are the three extracapsular ligaments of the hip joint?

Answer 16

• Iliofemoral ligament (Y) = prevents hyperextension
• Pubofemoral ligament (triangle) = prevent excessive abduction and extension
• Ischiofemoral ligament (spiral) = prevent excessive medial rotation

Question 17

What are stabilising factors that increase the stability of the hip joint?

Answer 17

• Cup-shaped acetabulum
• Acetabular labrum
• Capsule
• Ligamentum teres
• Extracapsular ligaments
• Muscles around hip joint

Question 18

Which 2 arteries form the extracapsular arterial ring at the base of the femoral neck through branhces?

Answer 18

1) Medial femoral circumflex artery
2) Lateral femoral circumflex artery

-both from Profunda femoris artery

Question 19

What are the ascending arteries called that supply the head of the femur?

Answer 19

Retinacular arteries

Question 20

What artery is contained in the ligamentum teres and where does this artery originate from?

Answer 20

Artery of the ligamentum teres

-obturator artery

Question 21

Describe the blood supply of the head of the femur throughout bone development

Answer 21

• In children, artery of ligamentum teres is the major supply
• In adults, after epiphyseal fusion, only a small portion is nourished
• Main supply is the retinacular arteries