GLOSSARY

The acetabulum is the deep, cup-shaped socket on the outer surface of the hip bone that receives the head of the femur to form the hip joint.
The word comes from the Latin acetabulum, meaning “vinegar cup”.

Structure

• Formed by three bones: the ilium, ischium, and pubis fuse at the centre of the acetabulum.
• Lunate surface: the horseshoe-shaped, cartilage-covered part that bears weight.
• Acetabular labrum: a fibrocartilaginous ring around the rim that deepens the socket and, like a seal, retains joint fluid.

Importance