Hip Anatomy
The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint. The “ball” is known anatomically as the femoral head; the “socket” is the part of the pelvis known as the acetabulum. Both the femoral head and the acetabulum are coated with articular cartilage. Like all joints, the hip has synovial or joint fluid, acting as a lubricant, which allows for smooth, painless movement within the hip joint.
The hip, like the shoulder, has a labrum; a ring of rubbery fibrocartilage around the rim of the acetabulum, which deepens the hip socket and provides a suction seal of the hip joint. The intact labrum seals the lubricating fluid within the hip and contributes to stability of the joint. One of the most common causes of hip pain involves damage to the labrum, described most often as a labral tear. When the labrum is torn, the “suction seal” is broken, and the joint may lose its stability and lubrication. This can progress to loss of cartilage, or arthritis. Degenerative changes to the hip can also result in arthritis. Arthritis is the damage to the articular cartilage of the joint that lines on the head of the femur and the acetabulum, or socket. The joint capsule is an envelope of ligaments that encloses the hip, and is also essential for stability. The hip also contains a ligament known as the ligamentum teres, which connects the femoral head to the acetabulum. Both the capsule and the ligamentum teres can be injured in an unstable hip.
Sources of Hip Discomfort
- Diagnosis of hip injuries can be complex. Many hip injuries are initially misdiagnosed. Hip pain may mimic many other conditions, including sciatica, spinal problems, muscle strains, and sports hernias.
- Obtaining the correct diagnosis is of paramount importance in directing appropriate treatment. As an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in hip conditions, Dr. Hecht can provide accurate diagnosis of hip conditions.
Hip Conditions
Hip Treatments
- Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
- Revision Total Hip Replacement
- Total Hip Replacement
- Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Hip Conditions
Patient Experience Information
Please click below to access the many patient handouts Dr. Hecht provides his hip patient preparing for their surgical experience.
Patient Education Newsletter
Pre-Op Instructions
- Dr.Hecht_Hip_Preparing for Joint Replacement_PreOp
- Dr.Hecht_HipAnatomy_PreOp
- Dr.Hecht_HipPreOp_DVT
- Dr.Hecht_Min_Invasive_Total_Hip_POP
- Dr.Hecht_Hip_PreOp_DentalWorkPostOp
- Dr.Hecht_SurgerySchedulingForm_PreOp
- Dr.Hecht_Script_Hip_PreOp
Post-Op Instructions
- Hecht_Hip_PreOp_DentalWorkPostOp
- Hecht_Min_Invasive_Total_Hip_POP
- Hecht_PatientInfo_POP
- Hecht_Protect_You_Hip_POP
- Hecht_DAH_POP
Why Dr. Joseph Hecht?
Dr. Hecht is board certified in orthopedic surgery, providing expert knowledge and expertise in the area of hip conditions and treatment options. As one of the top Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland hip surgeons, Dr. Hecht brings years of valuable experience to every hip assessment.