Why is the hip joint so stable?
It is a multiaxial ball-and-socket joint that is comprised of two structures. Specifically, the femoral head and the acetabulum. The femoral head forms approximately two-thirds of a sphere and inserts into the acetabulum. Surrounding the lip of the acetabulum is a fibrocartilaginous structure called a labrum. This labrum deepens the acetabulum, thus increasing stability. Surrounding the ball and socket joint is a capsule that also increases stability. Also, within the hip joint a negative pressure exists which contributes to the stability of the hip joint. Muscles play less of a role in providing joint stability at the hip than they do at other joints. 2. What is the price of this joint stability? The hip joint has a high degree of stability at the expense of some movement. In contrast, the glenohumeral joint has greater freedom of movement but less stability. 3. What are the named ligaments of the capsule of the hip joint? The three named ligaments (or thickenings) of the capsule are
