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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
07:43
In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
Published on: July 2, 2021
Evolution of the hip and pelvis.
Tom Hogervorst1, Heinse W Bouma, John de Vos
1Department of Orthopaedics, the Hague, the Netherlands.
Acta Orthopaedica. Supplementum
|November 19, 2009
Summary
Human evolution, marked by large brains and upright walking, shaped the pelvis. Certain hip variations, resembling mammal hips, can lead to hip osteoarthrosis in humans due to motion.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- Human evolution is characterized by significant brain expansion and the development of an upright gait.
- The pelvis is a crucial skeletal element for understanding human evolutionary history.
- A resurgence in joint-preserving hip surgery highlights morphological variations in the human hip, some resembling those in extant mammals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolutionary history of the human hip and pelvis.
- To investigate morphological variations that predispose individuals to motion-induced osteoarthrosis.
- To understand sex-based differences in pelvic and hip morphology related to impingement and osteoarthrosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of evolutionary literature focusing on pelvic and hip morphology.
- Analysis of morphological variations in the human hip.
- Correlation of specific hip morphologies with the development of osteoarthrosis.
Main Results:
- Morphological variations in the human hip, similar to those in mammals, can lead to osteoarthrosis.
- The evolutionary pressures of childbirth and bipedalism have resulted in distinct pelvic and hip structures between sexes.
- These sex-specific morphologies contribute to characteristic patterns of hip impingement and subsequent osteoarthrosis.
Conclusions:
- Pelvic and hip morphology are key indicators of human evolution.
- Certain hip variations, influenced by evolutionary adaptations, increase the risk of osteoarthrosis in humans.
- Understanding these evolutionary morphological differences is vital for managing hip conditions like osteoarthrosis.
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