Hip Anatomy2026-10-01T19:04:13+00:00
COMPREHENSIVE HIP CARE TREATMENTS

Care Built Around the
Right Treatment for You

COMPREHENSIVE EXPERTISE

The Full Continuum
of Hip Care

Hip care is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Brett Shore treats the full spectrum of hip conditions, offering options that range rom non-surgical care and joint preserving procedures to advanced hip replacement.

His approach begins with an accurate diagnosis and a clear understanding of each patient’s goals. Whenever appropriate, treatment focuses on preserving the natural hip and maintaining function, with surgery considered when it offers the best path toward lasting improvement.

Overview of Hip Anatomy

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, which is one of the body’s largest and most important joints. The ball part of the joint is the femoral head, which is the upper end of the femur (thighbone). The socket is formed by the acetabulum, a part of the large pelvis bone. The hip joint’s anatomy is designed for stability and weight-bearing, with its articular cartilage, labrum, ligaments, muscles, and synovial fluid all contributing to its function and health.

The surfaces of the ball and the socket are covered by a slippery, robust tissue called articular cartilage. This cartilage creates a smooth, frictionless surface that helps the bones glide easily across each other during movement. The acetabulum is ringed by strong fibrocartilage called the labrum, which forms a gasket around the socket, deepening it and improving the stability of the joint.

The hip joint is surrounded by bands of tissue called ligaments, which form a capsule that holds the joint together. The undersurface of the capsule is lined by a thin membrane called the synovium, which produces synovial fluid that lubricates the hip joint.

Muscles around the hip joint are grouped based on their functions relative to the movements of the hip. These include flexors, extensors, adductors, abductors, internal rotators, and external rotators. The hip joint allows for movement in three major axes: flexion and extension, internal and external rotation, and abduction and adduction.

Hip stability arises from several factors, including the shape of the acetabulum and the strength of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. The hip joint is also supplied by a network of blood vessels that provide essential nutrients to the joint structures.

Conditions and Treatments

Common hip problems include arthritis, bursitis, avascular necrosis, and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Treatments can range from conservative methods like physical therapy to surgical interventions such as total hip arthroplasty (THA) or periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for joint preservation.

Hip Labral Tears

Hip Labral Tears: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments Understanding Hip Labral Tears Hip labral tears are a common yet complex condition affecting the hip joint, often leading to persistent pain and reduced mobility. The labrum, a ring of cartilage that encircles the hip socket, plays a [...]

Avascular Necrosis of the Hip

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip, also known as osteonecrosis, is a condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Although it can damage any bone, hip joints are the most frequently affected. An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 new instances of AVN [...]

Hip Instability

Hip Instability: Unstable hip joint causes pain, clicking, and possible dislocation. Traumatic or atraumatic, from sports injuries to congenital issues. Diagnose with history, exam, and imaging. Treat with therapy or surgery like hip arthroscopy. Comprehensive care for improved mobility and quality of life.

Hip Osteoarthritis

Manage Hip Osteoarthritis: Non-surgical treatments include weight management, therapy, medications, injections, devices, and heat therapy. Surgical options like arthroscopic debridement or total hip replacement may be needed if non-surgical methods fail. Post-surgery, rehabilitation with therapy and assistive devices aids recovery. Improve quality of life despite this chronic condition.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia, or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), is a condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly, ranging from shallow sockets to complete dislocation. Symptoms include groin or hip pain, and diagnosis involves medical history and X-rays. Treatments range from non-surgical options like harnesses to surgery, emphasizing early detection for better outcomes.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): Hip pain at the femur's outer edge due to gluteal tendon degeneration. Common in women aged 40-60, worsened by weight-bearing. Diagnosis via symptoms, physical exam, and imaging. Treat with rest, NSAIDs, therapy, or injections. Surgery if conservative methods fail. Prevention through exercise and weight management.

Piriformis Syndrome

Diagnosing & Treating Piriformis Syndrome: Butt muscle compresses sciatic nerve, causing pain & numbness. Diagnosis via clinical exam & history review; MRI/CT to rule out other issues. Treat with rest, stretching, therapy, meds, or surgery. Prevent with exercise, good posture, avoiding prolonged sitting. Relief is possible with proper care.

Hamstring Tendon Tears

Understanding Hamstring Tendon Tears: Grades, Symptoms, and Treatment: Hamstring tendon tears range from mild strains to complete muscle tears, often affecting athletes. Classified into grades based on severity, treatment involves RICE therapy initially followed by gradual exercises. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling, with prevention strategies emphasizing stretching and warming up. Seeking medical advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and management, particularly for severe or recurring injuries. Learn more about managing hamstring injuries here.

Gluteus Medius and Minimus Tears

Tears in the Gluteus Medius and Minimus Lateral hip discomfort is commonly caused by tears in the gluteus medius and minimus, especially in middle-aged people. These tears may come from a long-term deterioration of the muscle-tendon unit or from an abrupt traumatic event. Clinical assessment, imaging, conservative management, and potentially [...]

Anterior Total Hip Replacement

Anterior total hip replacement, sometimes called direct anterior approach to hip replacement or anterior hip arthroplasty, is a surgical technique that involves making an anterior (front) incision on the hip to replace a damaged hip joint with a prosthetic implant. Because it works between the muscles rather than through [...]

PATIENT EXPERIENCES

Hear From Our Patients

GET STARTED

Schedule Your Visit
with Dr. Brett Shore

Hip pain can limit your activity and affect your daily life. Dr. Shore can help you understand your options and start recovery.








    DISC Sports & Spine Center needs the contact information you provide to us to schedule your appointment. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

    Go to Top