Biomechanics of the Hip: Difference between revisions

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=== Koch’s model ===
=== Koch’s model ===
Koch first introduced the static model of hip biomechanics. According to his theory, the body lever and the abductors' muscles lever is 2:1 ratio, which means that in a single-leg stance the [[Gluteus Medius|gluteus medius]] needs to generate two times the body's weight force to maintain balance and prevent the body from leaning towards the unsupported side. In this model, the gluteus medius is the only muscle that provides resistance to the loads exerted on the [[femur]], translating them into tensile [[Load Management|loads]] on the lateral aspect of the femur below the attachment of the gluteus medius and the compression loads along with the lateral distal one-third of the femur. This last theory is not well explained in Koch's original statement.<ref name=":4">Fetto J, Leali A, Moroz A. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10986162_Evolution_of_the_Koch_model_of_the_biomechanics_of_the_hip_Clinical_perspective Evolution of the Koch model of the biomechanics of the hip: a clinical perspective.] J Orthop Sci. 2002;7(6):724-30. </ref>
Koch first introduced the static model of hip biomechanics. According to his theory, the body lever arm and the abductor muscles lever arm has a ratio of 2:1. This means that in a single-leg stance, [[Gluteus Medius|gluteus medius]] needs to generate two times the body weight's force to maintain balance and prevent the body from leaning towards the unsupported side. In this model, gluteus medius is the only muscle that provides resistance to the loads exerted on the [[femur]]. Koch proposed that gluteus medius translates these loads into tensile [[Load Management|loads]] on the lateral aspect of the femur below the attachment of the gluteus medius and into compressive loads on the lateral side of the distal third of the femur. It has been noted, however, that Koch's original statement did not explain well how tensile load was converted into a compressive load in the distal part of the femur.<ref name=":4">Fetto J, Leali A, Moroz A. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10986162_Evolution_of_the_Koch_model_of_the_biomechanics_of_the_hip_Clinical_perspective Evolution of the Koch model of the biomechanics of the hip: a clinical perspective.] J Orthop Sci. 2002;7(6):724-30. </ref>  


== Bilateral Limb Support ==
== Bilateral Limb Support ==
From the newborn to the age of four the neck-shaft angle of the femur has a value of approximately 160-165 degrees.<ref>Feger J. Femoral neck-shaft angle. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 07 Mar 2022) <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-81120</nowiki></ref> The upright posture continues to reduce this angle which reaches 130-135 degrees and remains unchanged throughout the process of body development and bone growth despite the time humans spends in erect posture and their body mass continues to increase.  
In newborns and up until the age of four, the neck-shaft angle of the femur has a value of approximately 160-165 degrees.<ref>Feger J. Femoral neck-shaft angle. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 07 Mar 2022) <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-81120</nowiki></ref> Upright posture continues to reduce this angle until it reaches an angle of 130-135 degrees. It then remains unchanged throughout the process of body development and bone growth despite the amount of time humans spend upright and the fact that body mass continues to increase.<ref name=":0" />


During bilateral limb stance, the [[Centre of Gravity|centre of gravity]] is located between the two hips with an equal force exerted on both hips. The body’s centre of gravity is located in the one centimetre anterior to the first sacral segment. <ref name=":0">Fetto JF. [https://www.hindawi.com/journals/aorth/2019/5804642/ A dynamic model of hip joint biomechanics: The contribution of soft tissues]. Advances in Orthopedics. 2019 Jun 4;2019.</ref>The gravity affects the lower extremities in the vertical direction. Under these loading conditions, the weight of the body minus the weight of both legs is supported equally on the femoral heads. <ref name=":0" />
During bilateral limb stance, the [[Centre of Gravity|centre of gravity]] is located between the two hips, with an equal force exerted on both hips. The body’s centre of gravity is located one centimetre anterior to the first sacral segment.<ref name=":0">Fetto JF. [https://www.hindawi.com/journals/aorth/2019/5804642/ A dynamic model of hip joint biomechanics: The contribution of soft tissues]. Advances in Orthopedics. 2019 Jun 4;2019.</ref> Gravity affects the lower extremities in the vertical direction. Under these loading conditions, the weight of the body minus the weight of both legs is supported equally on the femoral heads.<ref name=":0" />


{{#ev:youtube|v=H0SoMQ_L7-k|300}}<ref>Mock FRCS Cardiff. Free body diagram hip. 2016. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0SoMQ_L7-k [last accessed 27/02/2022]</ref>
{{#ev:youtube|v=H0SoMQ_L7-k|300}}<ref>Mock FRCS Cardiff. Free body diagram hip. 2016. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0SoMQ_L7-k [last accessed 27/02/2022]</ref>


The bone tissue responds to various demands, including those influenced by the environment. This response can be in a form of the development of the hypertrophic or an atrophic bone or an alteration in bone quality in the areas of compression (cortical bone ) or tensile loading (cancellous bone). <ref name=":0" />
Bone tissue responds to various demands, including those influenced by the environment. Specific responses include the development of a hypertrophic or an atrophic bone or an alteration in bone quality in areas of compression (cortical bone) or tensile loading (cancellous bone).<ref name=":0" />


Joint stability depends on:
Joint stability depends on:<ref name=":0" />


* articular geometry: stability in the hip, knee and the ankle
* Articular geometry: stability in the hip, knee and the ankle
* soft tissue integrity: stability of the dynamic (muscle, tendon, fascia) and static elements (ligaments). In response to demands, the dynamic structures adjust their length, and the static structures will become taut in the extension on one side and on the reciprocal side in the flexion.<ref name=":0" />
* Soft tissue integrity: stability of the dynamic (muscle, tendon, fascia) and static elements (ligaments). In response to demands, the dynamic structures adjust their length. The static structures will become taut in extension on one side and, correspondingly, taut in flexion on the other side.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Pone.0118903.g001.PNG L.png|thumb|276x276px|Static and dynamic models of hip abductor force production (from Warrener AG et al.) |alt=]]
[[File:Pone.0118903.g001.PNG L.png|thumb|276x276px|Static and dynamic models of hip abductor force production (from Warrener AG et al.) |alt=]]




== Single Leg Stance ==
== Single Leg Stance ==
During the single-leg stance, the following occur:
During single-leg stance, the following occur:<ref name=":7" />


* Centre of gravity moves distally and away from the supporting leg
* Centre of gravity moves distally and away from the supporting leg
Line 37: Line 37:


* The downward force exerts a turning motion around the centre of the femoral head
* The downward force exerts a turning motion around the centre of the femoral head
* The abductors, including the upper fibres of the gluteus maximus, the tensor fascia lata, the gluteus medius and minimus, the piriformis and obturator internus offset the action of the muscles resisting the rotation of the femoral head creating a moment around the centre of the femoral head
* The abductors, including the upper fibres of the gluteus maximus, the tensor fascia latae, the gluteus medius and minimus, the piriformis and obturator internus, offset the action of the muscles resisting the rotation of the femoral head. This creates a moment around the centre of the femoral head
* The lever of the abductors is shorter than the lever arm of body weight, so the combined force of the abductors must be a multiple of body weight which typically is three times bodyweight, corresponding to a level ratio of 2.5.
* The lever of the abductors is shorter than the lever arm of body weight. Therefore, the combined force of the abductors must be a multiple of body weight (typically three times body weight), which corresponds to a level ratio of 2.5


Larger hip forces are required for people who have a wide pelvis and short femoral necks due to an increase in the lever arm ratio requiring an increase in the abductor muscle force. These are the people that are at high risk for hip pathologies, including arthritic conditions.<ref name=":0" />However the study by Warrener et al. (2015) found that the pelvic width does not predict the hip abductor mechanics or locomotor cost in either women or men.<ref>Warrener AG, Lewton KL, Pontzer H, Lieberman DE. [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118903 A wider pelvis does not increase locomotor cost in humans, with implications for the evolution of childbirth]. PLoS One. 2015 Mar 11;10(3):e0118903.</ref>
Larger hip forces are required for people who have a wide pelvis and short femoral necks. These people have an increased lever arm ratio, and thus require an increase in abductor muscle force. These individuals tend to be at high risk for hip pathologies, including arthritic conditions.<ref name=":0" /> However a study by Warrener et al.<ref>Warrener AG, Lewton KL, Pontzer H, Lieberman DE. [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118903 A wider pelvis does not increase locomotor cost in humans, with implications for the evolution of childbirth]. PLoS One. 2015 Mar 11;10(3):e0118903.</ref> found that the pelvic width does not predict hip abductor mechanics or locomotor cost in either women or men.


Examples of the patient's posture indicating increased lever arm and decreased hip abduction force:<ref>Pandya R. Biomechanics of the Hip Course. Physioplus. 2022.</ref>
Examples of postures which indicate an increased lever arm and decreased hip abduction force:<ref name=":7">Pandya R. Biomechanics of the Hip Course. Physioplus. 2022.</ref>


* In supine legs are "falling out"
* In supine legs are "falling out"
* In sitting with ankles crossed, large abdomen forces the hips positioned in the abduction and external rotation with knees "flopped out"
* In sitting with ankles crossed, a patient's large abdomen forces their hips into abduction and external rotation with their knees "flopped out"


== Joint Forces at the Hip ==
== Joint Forces at the Hip ==
The average loads on the hip joint measured in subjects who underwent a total hip replacement were as follow:
The average loads on the hip joint measured in subjects who underwent a total hip replacement were as follows:


* walking at about 4 km/h : 238% of body weight (BW) (160-330% BW)<ref name=":1">Rydell NW. Forces acting on the femoral head prosthesis. A study on strain gauge supplied prostheses in living persons. Acta Orthop Scand. 1966;37:Suppl 88:1-132. </ref><ref name=":2">Bergmann G, Deuretzbacher G, Heller M, Graichen F, Rohlmann A, Strauss J, Duda GN. Hip contact forces and gait patterns from routine activities. J Biomech. 2001 Jul;34(7):859-71. </ref>
* Walking at about 4 km/h: 238% of body weight (BW) (160 to 330% BW)<ref name=":1">Rydell NW. Forces acting on the femoral head prosthesis. A study on strain gauge supplied prostheses in living persons. Acta Orthop Scand. 1966;37:Suppl 88:1-132. </ref><ref name=":2">Bergmann G, Deuretzbacher G, Heller M, Graichen F, Rohlmann A, Strauss J, Duda GN. Hip contact forces and gait patterns from routine activities. J Biomech. 2001 Jul;34(7):859-71. </ref>
* stair descending: 108% -260% BW<ref name=":3">Luepongsak N, Amin S, Krebs DE, McGibbon CA, Felson D. The contribution of type of daily activity to loading across the hip and knee joints in the elderly. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2002 May;10(5):353-9. </ref>
* Stair descending: 108% to 260% BW<ref name=":3">Luepongsak N, Amin S, Krebs DE, McGibbon CA, Felson D. The contribution of type of daily activity to loading across the hip and knee joints in the elderly. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2002 May;10(5):353-9. </ref>
* stair ascending:251% BW<ref name=":2" />
* Stair ascending: 251% BW<ref name=":2" />
* during chair rise and bending :40% BW<ref name=":3" />
* During chair rise and bending: 40% BW<ref name=":3" />
* standing: 32% BW  
* Standing: 32% BW
* single leg stance: 230 to 290% BW <ref name=":1" />
* Single leg stance: 230 to 290% BW <ref name=":1" />
''Note'': "stumbling or periods of instability during single-leg stance can generate resultant forces in excess of eight times body weight"<ref>Bergmann G, Deuretzbacher G, Heller M, Graichen F, Rohlmann A, Strauss J, Duda GN. Hip contact forces and gait patterns from routine activities. J Biomech. 2001 Jul;34(7):859-71.</ref>
''Note'': "stumbling or periods of instability during single-leg stance can generate resultant forces in excess of eight times body weight"<ref>Bergmann G, Deuretzbacher G, Heller M, Graichen F, Rohlmann A, Strauss J, Duda GN. Hip contact forces and gait patterns from routine activities. J Biomech. 2001 Jul;34(7):859-71.</ref>


The above numbers indicate that the highest stress on the hip joint occurs during walking and descending stairs. Development of the hip pathology, eg. osteoarthritis can be predicted, when these activities are performed repetitively and/or under faulty conditions. <ref name=":3" />
The above numbers indicate that the highest stress on the hip joint occurs during walking and descending stairs. Development of hip pathology, eg. osteoarthritis can be predicted when these activities are performed repetitively and/or under faulty conditions. <ref name=":3" />


== Dynamic Model of the Hip Biomechanics ==
== Dynamic Model of Hip Biomechanics ==
According to Koch <ref name=":4" /> to maintain hip stability, the gluteus medius must generate twice the weight of the body force during a single-leg stance. However, based on different data related to the hip dynamic and complete model of stability it was concluded that the iliotibial band (ITB) plays a significant role in maintaining hip stability. The following observations supports this theory:<ref name=":0" />   
According to Koch,<ref name=":4" /> in order to maintain hip stability, the gluteus medius must generate twice the weight of the body force during a single-leg stance. However, based on different data related to hip dynamics and a complete model of stability, it has been concluded that the iliotibial band (ITB) plays a significant role in maintaining hip stability. The following observations support this theory:<ref name=":0" />   


* gluteus medius is less active at the midstance phase of gait
* Gluteus medius is less active at the midstance phase of gait
* the iliotibial band serves as a tension band to relieve the metabolic demand and reduce the electrical activity of the gluteus medius during the midstance phase of gait
* The iliotibial band serves as a tension band to relieve the metabolic demand and reduce the electrical activity of the gluteus medius during the midstance phase of gait
* patients with below-knee amputations present with a compromised function of the ITB as a stabiliser of the hip joint due to loss of its distal attachment<ref name=":0" />
* Patients with below-knee amputations present with a compromised function of the ITB as a stabiliser of the hip joint due to loss of its distal attachment<ref name=":0" />


== Clinical Relevance ==
== Clinical Relevance ==
Line 76: Line 76:
* Increasing abductor force
* Increasing abductor force
* Decreasing the moment arm by bringing the centre of gravity closer to the centre of the femoral head by:
* Decreasing the moment arm by bringing the centre of gravity closer to the centre of the femoral head by:
** limping
** Limping
** using a [[Canes|cane]] in the opposite hand which reduces the joint reaction force by 50%when approximately 15% body weight is applied to the cane.<ref name=":5" />
** Using a [[Canes|cane]] in the opposite hand which reduces the joint reaction force by 50% when approximately 15% body weight is applied to the cane.<ref name=":5" />


When a person is using the cane for support, the joint reaction force is reduced because "cane-ground reaction force acts at a much larger distance from the centre of the hip than the abductor's muscles".<ref name=":5">Lim LA, Carmichael SW, Cabanela ME. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/%28SICI%291097-0185%2819990615%29257%3A3%3C110%3A%3AAID-AR8%3E3.0.CO%3B2-2 Biomechanics of total hip arthroplasty.] The Anatomical Record: An Official Publication of the American Association of Anatomists. 1999 Jun 15;257(3):110-6.</ref> Even with a small load applied on the cane, the patient is able to reduce the demand required from the abductor's muscles to maintain joint stability during gait.<ref name=":5" /> 
When a person is using a cane for support, the joint reaction force is reduced because the "cane-ground reaction force acts at a much larger distance from the centre of the hip than the abductor's muscles".<ref name=":5">Lim LA, Carmichael SW, Cabanela ME. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/%28SICI%291097-0185%2819990615%29257%3A3%3C110%3A%3AAID-AR8%3E3.0.CO%3B2-2 Biomechanics of total hip arthroplasty.] The Anatomical Record: An Official Publication of the American Association of Anatomists. 1999 Jun 15;257(3):110-6.</ref> Even when a small load is applied through the cane, the patient is able to reduce the demand required from the abductor muscles to maintain joint stability during gait.<ref name=":5" /> 
=== Stair Climbing ===
=== Stair Climbing ===
During ''ascending'' the [[Stair Gait|stairs]] patients with osteoarthritis demonstrate:<ref name=":6" />
When ''ascending'' [[Stair Gait|stairs]], patients with osteoarthritis demonstrate:<ref name=":6" />


* limited range of motion in the hip in all three planes: sagittal, transverse and frontal
* Limited range of motion in the hip in all three planes: sagittal, transverse and frontal
* lower hip peak external rotation moment during activity involved stair climbing.
* Lower hip peak external rotation moment  


During ''descending'' the stairs these patients demonstrate:
When ''descending'' stairs, these patients demonstrate:


* increased in ipsilateral trunk lean
* Increased in ipsilateral trunk lean


* reduction in sagittal plane range of motion
* Reduction in sagittal plane range of motion
* lower external peak extension moment
* Lower external peak extension moment
* lower external peak rotation moment
* Lower external peak rotation moment
* higher hip adduction moment
* Higher hip adduction moment
* higher hip adduction moment impulse
* Higher hip adduction moment impulse
* higher internal rotation moment impulse. <ref name=":6">Hall M, Wrigley TV, Kean CO, Metcalf BR, Bennell KL. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jor.23407 Hip biomechanics during stair ascent and descent in people with and without hip osteoarthritis.] Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2017 Jul;35(7):1505-14.</ref>
* Higher internal rotation moment impulse<ref name=":6">Hall M, Wrigley TV, Kean CO, Metcalf BR, Bennell KL. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jor.23407 Hip biomechanics during stair ascent and descent in people with and without hip osteoarthritis.] Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2017 Jul;35(7):1505-14.</ref>
Physiotherapy approach to improving stair negotiation for people with osteoarthritis may include:
The physiotherapy approach to improving stair negotiation for people with osteoarthritis may include:


* TENS intervention as an option for reducing early-stage knee OA-related burden.<ref>Iijima H, Eguchi R, Shimoura K, Yamada K, Aoyama T, Takahashi M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7190707/pdf/41598_2020_Article_64176.pdf Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improves stair climbing capacity in people with knee osteoarthritis.] Scientific reports. 2020 Apr 29;10(1):1-9.</ref>
* [[Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)|TENS]] as an option for reducing early-stage knee OA-related burden<ref>Iijima H, Eguchi R, Shimoura K, Yamada K, Aoyama T, Takahashi M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7190707/pdf/41598_2020_Article_64176.pdf Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improves stair climbing capacity in people with knee osteoarthritis.] Scientific reports. 2020 Apr 29;10(1):1-9.</ref>
* [[Strength Training|Resistance training]] for improving hip muscle mass which was found to be positively correlated with performance in stair climbing and chair stand.<ref>Bieler T, Kristensen AL, Nyberg M, Magnusson SP, Kjaer M, Beyer N. Exercise in patients with hip osteoarthritis–effects on muscle and functional performance: A randomized trial. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2021 May 8:1-2.</ref>
* [[Strength Training|Resistance training]] for improving hip muscle mass. This was found to be positively correlated with performance in stair climbing and chair stand<ref>Bieler T, Kristensen AL, Nyberg M, Magnusson SP, Kjaer M, Beyer N. Exercise in patients with hip osteoarthritis–effects on muscle and functional performance: A randomized trial. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2021 May 8:1-2.</ref>
* Prescribing [[Endurance Exercise|endurance training]] for patients with moderate-to-severe hip osteoarthritis. It can improve the endurance capacity of the knee extensors which play an important role in daily function. <ref>Burgess LC, Taylor P, Wainwright TW, Swain ID. Strength and endurance deficits in adults with moderate-to-severe hip osteoarthritis, compared to healthy, older adults. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2021 Jun 20:1-8.</ref>
* Prescribing [[Endurance Exercise|endurance training]] for patients with moderate-to-severe hip osteoarthritis. It can improve the endurance capacity of the knee extensors, which play an important role in daily function<ref>Burgess LC, Taylor P, Wainwright TW, Swain ID. Strength and endurance deficits in adults with moderate-to-severe hip osteoarthritis, compared to healthy, older adults. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2021 Jun 20:1-8.</ref>


=== Lower Extremity Amputation ===
=== Lower Extremity Amputation ===
Patients with above-knee amputation exhibit a positive Trendelenburg gait pattern despite having intact hip abductors. However, in this patients' group, the gluteus medius is not able to provide adequate hip stability during gait due to the loss of the iliotibial band action in providing additional joint stability.  
Patients with above-knee amputation exhibit a positive Trendelenburg gait pattern despite having intact hip abductors. However, in this patient group, the gluteus medius is not able to provide adequate hip stability during gait due to the loss of the iliotibial band action in providing additional joint stability.  


Treatment may include the surgical technique of tenodesis of the ITB and lateral soft tissue structures to the distal femur.<ref name=":0" />
Treatment may include the surgical technique of tenodesis of the ITB and lateral soft tissue structures to the distal femur.<ref name=":0" />

Revision as of 11:54, 8 March 2022

Original Editor - Ewa Jaraczewska based on course by Rina Pandya

Top Contributors - Ewa Jaraczewska, Jess Bell, Rucha Gadgil, Kim Jackson and Lucinda hampton  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

"Biomechanics is simply the physics (mechanics) of motion exhibited or produced by biological systems. More specifically, biomechanics is a highly integrated field of study that examines the forces acting on and within a body as well those produced by a body".[1]

When discussing hip joint biomechanics, one must consider how the bones, ligaments, and muscles transfer the weight of the body from the axial skeleton into the lower limb.[2]

Static Loading[edit | edit source]

Koch’s model[edit | edit source]

Koch first introduced the static model of hip biomechanics. According to his theory, the body lever arm and the abductor muscles lever arm has a ratio of 2:1. This means that in a single-leg stance, gluteus medius needs to generate two times the body weight's force to maintain balance and prevent the body from leaning towards the unsupported side. In this model, gluteus medius is the only muscle that provides resistance to the loads exerted on the femur. Koch proposed that gluteus medius translates these loads into tensile loads on the lateral aspect of the femur below the attachment of the gluteus medius and into compressive loads on the lateral side of the distal third of the femur. It has been noted, however, that Koch's original statement did not explain well how tensile load was converted into a compressive load in the distal part of the femur.[3]

Bilateral Limb Support[edit | edit source]

In newborns and up until the age of four, the neck-shaft angle of the femur has a value of approximately 160-165 degrees.[4] Upright posture continues to reduce this angle until it reaches an angle of 130-135 degrees. It then remains unchanged throughout the process of body development and bone growth despite the amount of time humans spend upright and the fact that body mass continues to increase.[5]

During bilateral limb stance, the centre of gravity is located between the two hips, with an equal force exerted on both hips. The body’s centre of gravity is located one centimetre anterior to the first sacral segment.[5] Gravity affects the lower extremities in the vertical direction. Under these loading conditions, the weight of the body minus the weight of both legs is supported equally on the femoral heads.[5]

[6]

Bone tissue responds to various demands, including those influenced by the environment. Specific responses include the development of a hypertrophic or an atrophic bone or an alteration in bone quality in areas of compression (cortical bone) or tensile loading (cancellous bone).[5]

Joint stability depends on:[5]

  • Articular geometry: stability in the hip, knee and the ankle
  • Soft tissue integrity: stability of the dynamic (muscle, tendon, fascia) and static elements (ligaments). In response to demands, the dynamic structures adjust their length. The static structures will become taut in extension on one side and, correspondingly, taut in flexion on the other side.[5]
Static and dynamic models of hip abductor force production (from Warrener AG et al.)


Single Leg Stance[edit | edit source]

During single-leg stance, the following occur:[7]

  • Centre of gravity moves distally and away from the supporting leg
  • The non-supporting leg becomes a part of the body mass acting upon the weight-bearing hip
  • The downward force exerts a turning motion around the centre of the femoral head
  • The abductors, including the upper fibres of the gluteus maximus, the tensor fascia latae, the gluteus medius and minimus, the piriformis and obturator internus, offset the action of the muscles resisting the rotation of the femoral head. This creates a moment around the centre of the femoral head
  • The lever of the abductors is shorter than the lever arm of body weight. Therefore, the combined force of the abductors must be a multiple of body weight (typically three times body weight), which corresponds to a level ratio of 2.5

Larger hip forces are required for people who have a wide pelvis and short femoral necks. These people have an increased lever arm ratio, and thus require an increase in abductor muscle force. These individuals tend to be at high risk for hip pathologies, including arthritic conditions.[5] However a study by Warrener et al.[8] found that the pelvic width does not predict hip abductor mechanics or locomotor cost in either women or men.

Examples of postures which indicate an increased lever arm and decreased hip abduction force:[7]

  • In supine legs are "falling out"
  • In sitting with ankles crossed, a patient's large abdomen forces their hips into abduction and external rotation with their knees "flopped out"

Joint Forces at the Hip[edit | edit source]

The average loads on the hip joint measured in subjects who underwent a total hip replacement were as follows:

  • Walking at about 4 km/h: 238% of body weight (BW) (160 to 330% BW)[9][10]
  • Stair descending: 108% to 260% BW[11]
  • Stair ascending: 251% BW[10]
  • During chair rise and bending: 40% BW[11]
  • Standing: 32% BW
  • Single leg stance: 230 to 290% BW [9]

Note: "stumbling or periods of instability during single-leg stance can generate resultant forces in excess of eight times body weight"[12]

The above numbers indicate that the highest stress on the hip joint occurs during walking and descending stairs. Development of hip pathology, eg. osteoarthritis can be predicted when these activities are performed repetitively and/or under faulty conditions. [11]

Dynamic Model of Hip Biomechanics[edit | edit source]

According to Koch,[3] in order to maintain hip stability, the gluteus medius must generate twice the weight of the body force during a single-leg stance. However, based on different data related to hip dynamics and a complete model of stability, it has been concluded that the iliotibial band (ITB) plays a significant role in maintaining hip stability. The following observations support this theory:[5]

  • Gluteus medius is less active at the midstance phase of gait
  • The iliotibial band serves as a tension band to relieve the metabolic demand and reduce the electrical activity of the gluteus medius during the midstance phase of gait
  • Patients with below-knee amputations present with a compromised function of the ITB as a stabiliser of the hip joint due to loss of its distal attachment[5]

Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]

Bigstock-Senior-woman-using-a-cane-225325693.jpeg

Painful Hip[edit | edit source]

Management of hip pain should include a reduction of the joint reaction force. It can be accomplished through the following:

  • Body mass reduction
  • Increasing abductor force
  • Decreasing the moment arm by bringing the centre of gravity closer to the centre of the femoral head by:
    • Limping
    • Using a cane in the opposite hand which reduces the joint reaction force by 50% when approximately 15% body weight is applied to the cane.[13]

When a person is using a cane for support, the joint reaction force is reduced because the "cane-ground reaction force acts at a much larger distance from the centre of the hip than the abductor's muscles".[13] Even when a small load is applied through the cane, the patient is able to reduce the demand required from the abductor muscles to maintain joint stability during gait.[13] 

Stair Climbing[edit | edit source]

When ascending stairs, patients with osteoarthritis demonstrate:[14]

  • Limited range of motion in the hip in all three planes: sagittal, transverse and frontal
  • Lower hip peak external rotation moment

When descending stairs, these patients demonstrate:

  • Increased in ipsilateral trunk lean
  • Reduction in sagittal plane range of motion
  • Lower external peak extension moment
  • Lower external peak rotation moment
  • Higher hip adduction moment
  • Higher hip adduction moment impulse
  • Higher internal rotation moment impulse[14]

The physiotherapy approach to improving stair negotiation for people with osteoarthritis may include:

  • TENS as an option for reducing early-stage knee OA-related burden[15]
  • Resistance training for improving hip muscle mass. This was found to be positively correlated with performance in stair climbing and chair stand[16]
  • Prescribing endurance training for patients with moderate-to-severe hip osteoarthritis. It can improve the endurance capacity of the knee extensors, which play an important role in daily function[17]

Lower Extremity Amputation[edit | edit source]

Patients with above-knee amputation exhibit a positive Trendelenburg gait pattern despite having intact hip abductors. However, in this patient group, the gluteus medius is not able to provide adequate hip stability during gait due to the loss of the iliotibial band action in providing additional joint stability.

Treatment may include the surgical technique of tenodesis of the ITB and lateral soft tissue structures to the distal femur.[5]

Resources[edit | edit source]

  1. Zaghloul A, Elalfy MM. Hip Joint: Embryology, Anatomy and Biomechanics. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res, 2018 12(3).
  2. Hip Biomechanics https://www.orthobullets.com/recon/9064/hip-biomechanics

References[edit | edit source]

  1. McLester J, Pierre PS. Applied Biomechanics. Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2019 Mar 8.
  2. Van Houcke J, Khanduja V, Pattyn C, Audenaert E. The history of biomechanics in total hip arthroplasty. Indian Journal of Orthopaedics. 2017 Aug;51(4):359-67.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Fetto J, Leali A, Moroz A. Evolution of the Koch model of the biomechanics of the hip: a clinical perspective. J Orthop Sci. 2002;7(6):724-30.
  4. Feger J. Femoral neck-shaft angle. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 07 Mar 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-81120
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 Fetto JF. A dynamic model of hip joint biomechanics: The contribution of soft tissues. Advances in Orthopedics. 2019 Jun 4;2019.
  6. Mock FRCS Cardiff. Free body diagram hip. 2016. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0SoMQ_L7-k [last accessed 27/02/2022]
  7. 7.0 7.1 Pandya R. Biomechanics of the Hip Course. Physioplus. 2022.
  8. Warrener AG, Lewton KL, Pontzer H, Lieberman DE. A wider pelvis does not increase locomotor cost in humans, with implications for the evolution of childbirth. PLoS One. 2015 Mar 11;10(3):e0118903.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Rydell NW. Forces acting on the femoral head prosthesis. A study on strain gauge supplied prostheses in living persons. Acta Orthop Scand. 1966;37:Suppl 88:1-132.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Bergmann G, Deuretzbacher G, Heller M, Graichen F, Rohlmann A, Strauss J, Duda GN. Hip contact forces and gait patterns from routine activities. J Biomech. 2001 Jul;34(7):859-71.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Luepongsak N, Amin S, Krebs DE, McGibbon CA, Felson D. The contribution of type of daily activity to loading across the hip and knee joints in the elderly. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2002 May;10(5):353-9.
  12. Bergmann G, Deuretzbacher G, Heller M, Graichen F, Rohlmann A, Strauss J, Duda GN. Hip contact forces and gait patterns from routine activities. J Biomech. 2001 Jul;34(7):859-71.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Lim LA, Carmichael SW, Cabanela ME. Biomechanics of total hip arthroplasty. The Anatomical Record: An Official Publication of the American Association of Anatomists. 1999 Jun 15;257(3):110-6.
  14. 14.0 14.1 Hall M, Wrigley TV, Kean CO, Metcalf BR, Bennell KL. Hip biomechanics during stair ascent and descent in people with and without hip osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 2017 Jul;35(7):1505-14.
  15. Iijima H, Eguchi R, Shimoura K, Yamada K, Aoyama T, Takahashi M. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improves stair climbing capacity in people with knee osteoarthritis. Scientific reports. 2020 Apr 29;10(1):1-9.
  16. Bieler T, Kristensen AL, Nyberg M, Magnusson SP, Kjaer M, Beyer N. Exercise in patients with hip osteoarthritis–effects on muscle and functional performance: A randomized trial. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2021 May 8:1-2.
  17. Burgess LC, Taylor P, Wainwright TW, Swain ID. Strength and endurance deficits in adults with moderate-to-severe hip osteoarthritis, compared to healthy, older adults. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2021 Jun 20:1-8.