Orthopedic Care for Hip & Pelvis Pain

Anatomy of the Hip and Pelvis

The pelvis is located at the base of the spine and above the legs. The main bones of the pelvis include:

• The hip bones: a pair of large flat bones that somewhat resemble a pair of open butterfly wings
• The sacrum: a large triangular bone located at the base of the spine
• The coccyx: also known as the tailbone, the coccyx is the last segment in the spinal column
• The pubis: also known as the pubic bone, the pubis is located in the front region of the pelvis

The pelvis also contains several joints:

• The sacroiliac joint, which connects the hip bones to the sacrum
• The sacrococcygeal joint, which connects the sacrum to the coccyx
• The symphysis pubis joint, which supports the pubis

The pelvis provides structural stability to the central and lower portions of the skeleton and serves as a connecting point for some of the strongest muscles in the body. It also protects and supports several internal organs, including the intestines, internal sex organs, and the bladder.

The pelvis connects to the femur through the hip joint, which is a ball and socket joint. The hip helps to bear the weight of our bodies while also supporting articulation of the lower body.

Muscles of the Hip and Pelvis

Muscles are tissues that enable the hip and pelvis to move while also providing support for your body. The primary muscle group of the pelvis is known as the pelvic floor muscles, which are located between the coccyx and the pubic bone. The main pelvic floor muscles are known as the levator ani, which includes three pairs of muscles:

• The iliococcygeus
• The pubococcygeus
• The puborectalis

The hip joint consists of many different muscles that are grouped together based on function. These muscles include:

• Abductors, which allow us to move our legs out to the side
• Adductors, which allow us to bring our legs together
• Flexors, which allow us to push our legs forward at the hip
• Extensors, which allow us to push the leg back towards the body
• Internal and external rotators, which allow us to swivel the leg at the hip

Other Tissues in the Hip and Pelvis

The hip and pelvis are also supported by several ligaments. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other or cartilage. They provide support, stability, and strength to the musculoskeletal system.

The hip joint consists of two different categories of ligaments – the intracapsular and extracapsular. The intracapsular ligament connects the head of the femur to the capsule of the hip joint. The extracapsular ligaments of the hip joint include:

• The iliofemoral ligament, which connects the femur to the anterior of the hip joint and keeps the hip from overextending
• The ischiofemoral ligament, which helps to prevent excessive extension
• The pubofemoral ligament, which is a small triangular ligament that reinforces the hip capsule and prevents overextension and abduction

The ligaments of the pelvis include:

• The pubic symphysis ligaments, which provides weight-bearing support
• The inguinal ligament, which provides support for the groin area and stability to the pelvis and abdomen
• The sacroiliac ligaments, which are three ligaments that hold the sacroiliac joint together
• The iliolumbar ligament, which supports the lower lumbar spine
• The lateral lumbosacral ligament, which helps to stabilize the spine on the pelvis
• The sacrococcygeal ligaments, which support the sacrococcygeal joint

The hip and pelvis also contain several tendons and cartilages. Tendons are tough yet flexible cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone. Cartilage is the tough yet flexible tissue that covers the ends of your bones at the hip joint. It helps the hip move smoothly and cushions and protects it.

Hip and Pelvis Pain FAQ

• Q: What are the first signs of hip problems?

  A: Hip pain is a very common complaint that patients have. The earliest signs that you may have a chronic hip issue are stiffness, pain, swelling, difficulty bending at the hip, and limping. These symptoms can vary from case to case in terms of severity and will ultimately be dependent on what is specifically causing the issue. While these symptoms may go away on their own or with self-care, you should definitely consider seeing an orthopedic specialist if your hip pain persists or gets worse.

• Q: When does an orthopedic specialist do for hip pain?

  A: Orthopedic treatment options for hip pain are varied, ranging from noninvasive to surgical. Orthopedic doctors are also surgeons who can provide surgical intervention for hip pain when necessary. However, many orthopedic specialists try to take a conservative approach towards treatment and only rely on orthopedic hip surgery when all other forms of care have been unsuccessful.

• Q: Can you walk with a broken pelvis?

  A: If your pelvis is broken, your ability to move, walk, or sit will be severely limited. Other symptoms of a broken or fractured pelvis include pain in the lower back and groin. If you’re experiencing pain in your pelvic area but are able to walk relatively unencumbered, it’s unlikely that you have fractured your pelvis.

• Q: How can I relieve hip and pelvic pain at home?

  A: In some cases, hip and pelvic pain can be easily managed at home with self-care. Some common forms of self-care for hip and pelvic pain include gentle stretching, applying an ice bag, taking a hot bath or shower, using over-the-counter medications, and resting. However, if your pain continues to get worse, consider scheduling an appointment with an orthopedic doctor that specializes in hip and pelvic pain as soon as possible.

Hip and Pelvis Pain: Sprains, Tears, and Fractures

With many bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, the hip and pelvis are susceptible to a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common causes of hip pain include fracture, labral tears, tendinitis, and bursitis, all of which typically occur as a result of overuse during exercise or sports. Hip pain is also commonly caused by arthritis and general wear and tear. Pelvic pain can be caused by musculoskeletal issues. However, because the pelvis supports so many internal organs, there are several other conditions that can contribute to pelvic pain, especially in women.

Comprehensive Orthopedic Care for Hip and Pelvis Pain

Some of our treatment options for hip and pelvis pain includes:

• Comprehensive Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Orthopedics