Hip

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint where the upper end (head) of the thigh bone (femur) joins with the socket (acetabulum) of the pelvis. It allows for motion and gives the stability needed to bear body weight.

The hip is the area located on each side of the pelvis. The pelvis bone is made up of 3 sections:

1. Ilium- The broad, flaring portion of the pelvis.
2. Pubis- The lower, rear part of the pelvis.
3. Ischium- One of the bones that helps form the hip

The hip is one of the most stable joints in the body. As it bears your body weight, it is more likely to develop arthritis because of the extra pressure. Pain in the hip may be caused by injury to muscles, tendons, or the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion and lubricate joints.