Hip Orthopedic Care at Maimonides

The hip is a weight-bearing joint that is essential for everyday activities such as walking, sitting, and standing. It is important to keep the hip healthy and functioning properly to avoid pain and mobility problems. Hip orthopedics is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hip disorders.

The Maimonides Bone and Joint Center provides comprehensive care for patients with hip problems. Our orthopedic surgeons are experts in hip surgery and can treat a wide range of conditions, from simple hip fractures to complex revision surgeries. And with outpatient support services and rehabilitation programs, we can help you get back to living your life as quickly and safely as possible.

• Ranked # 2 in New York State for Orthopedic Surgery (2025) by Healthgrades​​
• One of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery for four years in a row (2022-2025)
• Recipient of Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Awards for four years in a row (2022-2025)
• Named among the top 5% in the nation for overall Orthopedic Services for four years in a row (2022-2025)
• Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for seven years in a row (2019-2025)

To schedule an appointment, call 718.283.7400 today.

The Anatomy of the Hip

The hip is a ball and socket joint, which means that it is formed where the round head of the femur (thighbone) fits into the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. The joint is held together by a combination of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Bones and Joints of the Hip

There are three bones that make up the pelvis, the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis. The acetabulum is a cup-shaped socket that is formed where the three bones meet. The femoral head sits in the acetabulum and is held in place by a ring of strong connective tissue called the labrum. The hip joint is a “weight-bearing” joint, which means that it supports the weight of the body, and the femoral head is the largest weight-bearing bone in the body.

Within the acetabulum, there is a layer of smooth articular cartilage that allows the bones to glide against each other with minimal friction. The labrum, a ring of tough connective tissue, helps to deepen the socket and provides additional stability to the joint.

Ligaments of the Hip Joint

Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that attach bones to other bones. There are four main ligaments that support the hip joint:

• The iliofemoral ligament is a Y-shaped ligament that attaches the pelvis to the femur. It is the strongest ligament in the body and provides stability to the joint.
• The pubofemoral ligament is shaped like a triangle and attaches the pelvis to the femur. It helps to stabilize the joint and prevent dislocation.
• The ischiofemoral ligament attaches the ischium (sit bone) to the femur.
• The ligamentum teres is a small ligament that attaches the femoral head to the acetabulum.

Additionally, the acetabular labrum is a ring of connective tissue that attaches to the rim of the socket and helps to deepen the socket and provide stability to the joint.

Muscles and Tendons of the Hip Joint

The iliotibial band is a long tendon that attaches the pelvis to the tibia (shinbone). It is also an attachment site for a number of hip muscles, including:

• The gluteal muscles, which are the largest muscles in the body, attach to the pelvis and femur. They are responsible for extending the hip joint and keeping the pelvis level when walking.
• The adductor muscles attach to the pelvis and femur and are responsible for bringing the leg in towards the body.
• The iliopsoas muscle is a large muscle that attaches to the pelvis and femur. It is responsible for flexing the hip joint.

These muscles work together to move the hip joint and keep it stable.

Nerves and Arteries of the Hip Joint

The nerves and arteries of the hip joint are responsible for supplying sensation and blood flow to the area. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back down the leg. It provides sensation to the skin of the leg and sends signals to the muscles that control the movement of the leg. The femoral nerve runs from the lower back down the leg and supplies the muscles with nerve impulses.

The arteries of the hip joint supply blood to the area. The femoral artery is the largest artery in the body and runs from the lower back down the leg.

Orthopedic Conditions of the Hip

There are a number of orthopedic conditions that can affect the hip joint. These include:

Orthopedic Hip Surgery

Total Hip Replacement

One of the most common orthopedic hip surgeries is a total hip replacement. This surgery is performed when the hip joint has been damaged by arthritis or injury. It involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one.

Total hip replacements are generally very successful, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities after a period of recovery.

The procedure involves making an incision in the hip, removing the damaged joint, and then replacing it with an artificial one. The artificial joint is usually made of metal and plastic.

After a total hip replacement, the majority of the patients will go home the same day or will stay in the hospital for one night. They will then need to undergo physical therapy to regain their strength and range of motion.

To schedule an appointment, call 718.283.7400 today.