The static and dynamic mechanical causes of hip pain

Arthroscopy, Feb 2011
Bedi A, Dolan M, Leunig M, Kelly BT
Mechanical hip pain has been associated either with dynamic factors that result in abnormal pressure and contact between the femoral head and the acetabular rim when the hips are in motion, or with static loading of increased weight related to the inadequate congruity between the femoral head and the acetabulum in the position of vertical loading. Compensatory pressure can adversely affect the dynamic muscle forces in the region of the pelvis, leading to greater tension and pain. Hip pain associated with static overloading forces can also be localised to the anterior – medial proximal thigh (groin area), but compensatory dysfunction of the periarticular muscles can lead to muscle fatigue and accompanying pain throughout the hip. As understanding of the mechanics of the hip has increased, it has become clear that hip pain in the absence of osteoarthritis can be caused by a complex combination of mechanical stresses, both dynamic and static.