Hip Anatomy and Pain Patterns Quiz

Hip Pain Referral Patterns

• Hip pathology can cause pain in the anterior thigh and/or medial knee, which is related to the L3 dermatome.
• Common sources of referred pain in the hip joint region include spinal nerve roots L1, L2, L3, S1, and S2, lumbar intervertebral and sacroiliac joints.
• An example of referred pain is Spinal Stenosis.

The Hip Joint

• The hip joint is an extremely stable joint that is classified as a ball and socket, synovial joint.
• Essential features of the hip joint contributing to its stability include:
  • It is a weight-bearing joint.
  • Strong ligaments provide support (four total).
  • An articular capsule extends from the acetabulum to the femur's neck.
  • The acetabulum's orientation and depth contribute to stability.
  • An acetabular labrum (fibrocartilaginous rim) is attached to the acetabulum's margin.
• The acetabulum is oriented laterally, inferiorly, and anteriorly.

Anatomical Definitions

• Hip: Coxa
• Knee: Genu

Hip Angles

• Coxa vara: A decreased joint angle, which can lead to a short leg if unilateral.

• Coxa valga: An increased joint angle, which can lead to a long leg if unilateral.

• Genu valgum: The tibia is oriented outward, leading to knock knees.

• Genu varum: The tibia is oriented inward, leading to bowlegs.

• These angles are important for understanding pathophysiological conditions of the hip.