Hip Bone Displaying The Lunate Surface Of Acetabulum, Lateral View

Description

Acetabulum dominates the lateral aspect of the os coxae, with the lunate surface forming a horseshoe-shaped articular crescent that rims the central acetabular fossa. Superiorly, the weight-bearing dome of the lunate surface lies closest to the iliac contribution, while the anterior and posterior horns curve inferiorly toward the acetabular notch on the inferomedial margin. The acetabular rim outlines the socket circumferentially, and the junctions of ilium, ischium, and pubis can be inferred along the anterior column (pubis to ilium) and posterior column (ischium to ilium) surrounding the cavity. Hip stability lives or dies at this interface. The lunate surface is covered by hyaline cartilage in vivo and accepts the articular surface of the femoral head, so its superior sector is the common site for chondral wear in osteoarthritis and the target zone scrutinized when evaluating acetabular dysplasia, femoroacetabular impingement, or post-traumatic incongruity. By keeping the viewpoint fixed on the lateral pelvis, the illustration makes it easier to appreciate how the acetabular notch interrupts the inferior rim (bridged by the transverse acetabular ligament) and how the non-articular fossa sits medial to the load-bearing crescent, a relationship that underpins labral sealing and joint fluid pressurization. Orthopaedic educators can drop this illustration into pelvic anatomy labs to orient students before they handle dry bones, then reuse it in lectures on acetabular fracture patterns (anterior versus posterior column involvement) and preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty or periacetabular osteotomy. Medical publishers will also find it well suited for correlating surface anatomy with axial and coronal CT reconstructions when teaching the acetabular roof, rim, and notch as landmarks. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.