The hip is a classical ball-and-socket joint. It meets the four characteristics of a synovial or diarthrodial joint: it has a
joint cavity; joint surfaces are covered with articular cartilage; it has a synovial membrane producing synovial fluid, and; it is surrounded by a ligamentous capsule . For ease of approach we have considered the relevant anatomy under the headings ‘Bony anatomy’, ‘Ligaments and capsular anatomy’, ‘Neurovascular anatomy’ and ‘Muscular anatomy