The hip joint connects the femur and the pelvis and serves to support the weight of the upper body while standing and in motion. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint formed at the intersection of the rounded femoral head and the cup-shaped acetabulum. Cartilage covering the femoral head and synovial fluid serve to lubricate the joint and prevent friction or pain between the bones. In a healthy person, the hip joint can allow for seven distinct movements, but damage to the bones or tissues can impair or prevent this array of movements. The hip specialist at New Mexico Orthopaedics are highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of hip problems, and can bring that expertise to your course of treatment. If you are interested in
learning more about common hip problems and treatments, please look
at our Patient Education Articles.