Lower limb

Hip joint articular cartilage (Acetabular lunate surface & femoral head)

Cartilago articularis articulationis coxae (Facies lunata & Caput femoris)

Origin

Horseshoe-shaped hyaline cartilage on acetabular lunate surface and thick cartilage cap on femoral head (up to 4 mm anterosuperiorly)

Insertion

Opposing articular surfaces of the hip enarthrosis (acetabular fossa and fovea capitis are non-cartilaginous)

Function

Withstands peak loads of 3–5 times body weight during walking and stair climbing with ultra-low friction

Innervation

Avascular and aneural; relies on cyclical joint loading for nutrient diffusion

Movement & chain

Multi-axial spheroidal gliding in all degrees of freedom

Palpation

Not palpated directly

Clinical

Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis); avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head; chondral delamination from cam FAI.

Segmental innervation

L2–S1

In clinical practice

Non-impact aerobic exercise (cycling, swimming), hip abductor strengthening, and total hip replacement

Region in the model

Lower limb