Comprehension: Hip Joint Radiograph
Examine an AP film of the hip joint. Note the space between the bony outlines of the femoral head and the acetabulum. This space is occupied by the articular cartilage of the femoral head and acetabulum as well as the acetabular labrum. A focal curvilinear space (fovea capitis) in the medial aspect of the femoral head can be seen. This is the site of attachment of the round ligament (ligamentum teres). The intertrochanteric area is a common site for hip fractures. Also note the curving line formed by the superior border of the obturator foramen and the underside of the neck of the femur. This is called "Shenton's Line," and if the femur were dislocated, continuity of this line would be broken.
