Hip Anatomy and Function Quiz

Hip Anatomy and Function

• The hip supports the upper body and transmits forces between the pelvis and lower limbs during movement.
• It allows for a wide range of motion.
• The hip joint is formed by the ilium, pubis, and ischium bones, which create the acetabulum (socket) where the femur (thigh bone) fits.
• The femoral head fits into the acetabulum, forming a ball-and-socket joint for a wide range of motion.

Hip Ligaments

• Two intra-articular ligaments (ligamentum teres and transverse acetabular ligament) support the hip joint.
• Three extra-articular ligaments (iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral) stabilize the joint.
• These ligaments limit specific motions, such as hip extension, abduction, and internal/external rotation. These ligaments play an important role in stabilizing the joint during motion, ensuring that the femur remains within the acetabulum.

Hip Muscles and Movements

• Flexion: Primarily controlled by the iliopsoas muscle, aided by the pectineus, adductors, tensor fasciae latae (TFL). A range of 110-120 degrees.
• Extension: Primarily controlled by the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles, spanning 10-15 degrees of motion.
• Adduction: Primarily controlled by the adductor muscles, allowing for 25-30 degrees of motion.
• Abduction: Primarily controlled by the gluteus medius and minimus and TFL muscles, spanning 30-50 degrees.
• External Rotation: Controlled by the lateral rotator group of muscles, with a range of 40-60 degrees.
• Internal Rotation: Controlled by the gluteus medius/minimus, TFL, allowing for a range of 30-40 degrees.

Hip Innervation and Blood Supply

• The hip joint is innervated by the femoral, obturator, superior gluteal, and nerve to quadratus femoris nerves.
• Blood supply to the femoral head comes from the obturator artery and femoral circumflex artery.

Hip Conditions

• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): Improper alignment of the femur in the acetabulum, can lead to instability and dislocation. Often congenital and more common in females. Interventions might include casting, bracing, or surgery.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs near joints), commonly seen around the hip.
• Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome: Pain in the hip, thigh, or knee due to irritation of the IT band.
• Avascular Necrosis: Death of bone cells due to reduced blood supply to the femoral head, leading to weakening and susceptibility to fractures.
• Hip Fracture: Often a femoral neck fracture, often caused by a fall.
• Acetabular Fracture: Requires surgery and may limit weight-bearing and movement.
• Osteoarthritis of the Hip: Wear and tear on the joint, causing pain, reduced range of motion, and stiffness. May require arthroplasty (replacement surgery).

Universal Hip Precautions

• Avoid bending past 90 degrees.
• Avoid crossing your midline.
• Avoid twisting motions.

Knee Anatomy and Function

• The knee is a hinge joint formed by the femur, tibia, and patella.
• Crucial ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) and the menisci provide stability and shock absorption.
• The patella and supporting structures create the patellofemoral joint, important for knee function.
• The proximal tibiofibular joint.

Knee Ligaments and Function

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Keeps the tibia from sliding too far forward relative to the femur. Restrains anterior translation and rotation.
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Prevents backward movement of the tibia. Stronger than ACL.
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Resists valgus forces.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): Resists varus forces.

Knee Muscles and Bursae

• Knee Flexors: (Posterior) Hamstrings, popliteus, and gastrocnemius.
• Knee Extensors: (Anterior) Quadriceps (Rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis).
• Bursae: Fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction within the knee joint.

Knee Conditions & Interventions

• Ligament injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCM): Common injuries, often associated with giving way or pain. Possible treatments include physical therapy, bracing, and reconstruction surgery.
• Meniscal tears: Injury to the meniscus (shock absorbers between the bones of the knee) commonly occuring when twisting the knee, often resulting in locking or pain.
• Patella dislocation: Displacement of the patella, often due to malalignment or muscle imbalances.
• Knee fractures: Serious injuries needing stabilization and recovery.
• Osteoarthritis of the knee: Damaged cartilage causing pain and reduced function.

Role of Occupational Therapy

• OT plays a key role in helping patients manage and recover from knee and hip conditions.
• Conservative management strategies are used. These might include exercise, mobility aids, and education to improve lifestyle behaviours.
• OTs work with multidisciplinary teams to best support these patients.
• Surgical treatments such as arthroplasty can address some knee/hip issues.

Post-Operative Considerations

• Post-operative care includes close monitoring for complications.
• Patient education, equipment, and lifestyle adaptations are tailored for the individual.
• Home care support, or further inpatient care, may be necessary.

Test your knowledge on the anatomy and function of the hip joint. This quiz will cover the supporting structures, ligaments, and muscle movements essential for hip function. Understand the mechanics of the hip and its role in the human body.