Abstract
The basic law of mechanobiology states that the external form and internal architecture
of the skeleton and joints follow the functional stimuli that act upon them. Radiographs
and magnetic resonance imaging reflect the loading history of the growing child, enabling
an experienced radiologist to analyze the clinical functioning of patients by interpreting
imaging studies. Concerning the hip joint, the physes of the coxal femoral end, the
coxal femoral epiphysis with its epiphyseal growth plate, as well as the apophysis
of the greater trochanter with its trochanteric growth plate, are the essential organ
structures subject to internal forces. They determine the definitive geometric shape
of the proximal femur. Indirectly they influence the appearance of the acetabulum
and the centration of the hip joint.
Keywords
hip development - proximal femur - hip joint - mechanobiology - functional anatomy
