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Healthy Hip

Hip Anatomy

The healthy hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball (femoral head) is at the top of the thighbone (femur), and the socket (acetabulum) is in the hipbone (pelvis). The connection allows the leg to move in a variety of positions.

The ball and socket are each covered with cartilage that lubricates and cushions the bones during movement. Cartilage acts like a natural shock absorber, preventing both bone on bone contact and provides a smooth, pain-free surface for the bones to glide against.

Locations & Directions
OrthoBethesda

Camalier Building
10215 Fernwood Road
Suite 502
Bethesda, MD 20817

Washington Joint Institute

Highline at Greensboro District
8401 Greensboro Drive
Suite 120
McLean, VA 22102