A deep ball-and-socket articulation that transmits loads from the axial skeleton to the lower limb. Home to a spectrum of disease from dysplasia in infancy through osteoarthritis in later life.
Ischaemic death of subchondral bone in the femoral head leading to collapse, secondary arthritis, and a disproportionate burden in young adults.
A spectrum of abnormal acetabular and femoral development ranging from mild instability in infancy to frank dislocation and adult dysplastic arthritis.
Abnormal morphological contact between the proximal femur and acetabular rim during hip motion, implicated as a precursor of premature osteoarthritis.
Lateral hip pain arising from gluteal tendinopathy, tears, or trochanteric bursitis; now recognised as a tendinopathic rather than purely bursal disorder.
Degenerative cartilage loss in the acetabulofemoral joint producing groin pain, stiffness, and progressive functional impairment.
A non-discogenic cause of sciatic-type buttock and leg pain attributed to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.