Hip Pelvis and Thigh Injuries Ch. 13 Hip Pelvis and Thigh Injuries

Hip, Pelvis, and Thigh Contains some of the strongest muscles in the body, but the area is also subjected to tremendous demands.

Anatomy of the Hip, Pelvis, and Thigh The hip joint is a synovial ball and socket joint. The hip joint is the point of contact between the femur and the pelvis-the head of the femur fits into the cup-shaped acetabulum. The Acetabulum is also called the hip socket

The Femur Longest bone in the body Two muscle groups of the femur are the quadriceps and hamstrings.

The Hip Muscles The hip flexor group consists of rectus femoris, satorius, and iliopsoas. These flex the thigh. The hamstrings and gluteus maximus extend the thigh.

Hip Abduction Abduction of the hip is predominantly the result of contracting the lateral muscles, which include the gluteus medius, and minimus and the tensor fascia latae.

Adduction of the Hip Adduction of the hip is performed primarily by contracting the groin muscles, which originate and mesh into the symphysis pubis region and run a course down the medial aspect of the femur. Some of the primary groin muscles include the gracilis, adductor magnus, adductor longus, and pectineus.

Preventing Hip, Pelvis, and Thigh Injuries The hip is a very stable joint so the athletic trainer will not see many sprained ligaments or dislocations in this area. Stretching properly, wearing proper equipment, and proper strength training will help to prevent injuries.

Injuries Strains are common athletic injuries, especially to the hip flexor, extensor, and groin musculature. Many muscles in the leg cross two joints, a theory states that the strongest muscle group puts excessive tension on the opposing muscle group. An example would be if an athlete has a great deal of strength in the quadriceps, but her hamstrings are weak, the hamstring are prone to being strained.

Bone Injuries Pelvic fractures are not common, they can occur when excessive stress is place on the bone tissue. Avulsion fractures occur as a result of forceful muscle contractions that literally pull the bone away at the site where the tendon attaches.

Bone Injuries Growth Plate Fracutures or epiphyseal fractures occur at the growth plates of bones. This is especially true at the capital femoral epiphysis, which is where the neck of the femur joins the head.

Bone Injuries Stress Fractures are uncommon but can occur in running oriented athletes. Stress fractures are caused by repetitive stress, typically as a result of the force of the pounding of the lower extremity while running.

Bone Injuries Femur Fractures, allow the femur is the strongest bone in the body, femur fractures do occur but the stress that causes it has to be extreme. It is characterized by extreme pain and loss of function as well as internal bleeding, swelling, or tearing of muscles, tendons, nerves, and arteries. Femur fractures often cause the leg to externally rotate. Treatment for a femur fracture requires immobilization and transportation to the hospital by EMS personnel.

Bone Injuries Hip dislocations usually occur posteriorly and usually accompany other trauma such as a fracture. Dislocated hip will present will extreme pain, and is leg is often internally rotated.

Other Common Injuries Contusions are common, especially in collision sports. Myositis ossificans is the formation of bone tissue within the muscle