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Hip anatomy in a child

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The hip is the largest ball-and-socket joint in the body. The thighbone (femur) fits tightly into a cup-shaped socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. The hip joint is held together by muscles of the buttocks, groin, and spine; tendons; ligaments; and a joint capsule.

Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas S. Renshaw, MD
- Orthopedics
Last Updated May 15, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 15, 2007
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