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The hip joint is a ball and socket synovial joint, formed by an articulation between the pelvic acetabulum and the head of the femur. It forms a connection from the lower limb to the pelvic girdle, and is designed for stability, weight-bearing and a large range of movement. The acetabulum is a cup-like depression located on the inferolateral aspect of the pelvis. Its cavity is deepened by the presence of a fibrocartilaginous collar – the acetabular labrum. The head of femur is hemispherical, and fits completely into the concavity of the acetabulum. Both the acetabulum and head of femur are covered in articular cartilage, which is thicker at the places of weight bearing. The capsule of the hip joint attaches to the edge of the acetabulum proximally. Distally, it attaches to the intertrochanteric line anteriorly and the femoral neck posteriorly. The increase in depth provides a larger articular surface, further improving the stability of the joint. The iliofemoral, pubofemoral and ischiofemoral ligaments are very strong, and along with the thickened joint capsule, provide a large degree of stability. These ligaments have a unique spiral orientation; this causes them to become tighter when the joint is extended. In addition, the muscles and ligaments work in a reciprocal fashion at the hip joint: Anteriorly, where the ligaments are strongest, the medial flexors (located anteriorly) are fewer and weaker. Posteriorly, where the ligaments are weakest, the medial rotators are greater in number and stronger – they effectively ‘pull’ the head of the femur into the acetabulum. The movements that can be carried out at the hip joint are listed below, along with the principle muscles responsible for each action. Flexion. Extension. Abduction. Adduction. Lateral rotation. Medial rotation. Here you can see the difference between the range of movement in man, woman and by age