The Acetabular socket is the “cup-shaped” part of the hip joint that holds the femoral head (the ball). In normal anatomy, it is the acetabulum in the pelvis. In hip replacement surgery, the term can also refer to the artificial socket component that replaces the damaged cup surface. It is commonly discussed in imaging reports, hip arthritis care, and total hip arthroplasty (hip replacement).
An Acetabular shell is a metal “cup” implanted into the hip socket during hip replacement surgery. It replaces or resurfaces the socket side of the hip joint so the hip can move smoothly. It is most commonly used in total hip arthroplasty (total hip replacement) and some revision surgeries.
Acetabular roof is the upper, weight-bearing part of the hip socket (the acetabulum). It is the bony “dome” that helps support the femoral head during standing and walking. Clinicians commonly refer to it on X-rays, CT, and MRI when evaluating hip alignment and coverage. It is also discussed in conditions like hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and acetabular fractures.
Acetabular rim trimming is a surgical technique that removes a small amount of bone from the rim of the acetabulum (the hip socket). It is most commonly performed as part of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), especially “pincer” overcoverage. The goal is to reshape the socket edge so the hip can move with less bony conflict. It is often combined with treatment of the labrum and cartilage when those tissues are involved.
The Acetabular rim is the bony edge of the hip socket (the acetabulum). It forms the boundary where the socket meets the femoral head (the “ball” of the hip joint). It is commonly referenced in hip imaging, hip arthroscopy, and evaluation of hip pain. It also serves as the attachment area for the hip labrum, a ring of cartilage around the socket.
Acetabular retroversion is a hip socket alignment where the acetabulum faces more backward than expected. In plain terms, the socket is “turned” in a way that can change how the ball-and-socket joint fits and moves. It is commonly discussed when evaluating hip pain, femoroacetabular impingement, and early joint wear. It is also used in imaging reports and surgical planning for certain hip preservation procedures.
An Acetabular reamer is a surgical instrument used to shape the hip socket. It removes small amounts of bone to create a smoother, more uniform surface. It is most commonly used during hip replacement and certain hip reconstruction surgeries. It helps surgeons prepare the acetabulum (the “cup” side of the hip joint) for an implant or repair.
Acetabular overcoverage means the hip socket covers more of the femoral head than expected. It is an anatomic and imaging description used in hip pain evaluation. It is commonly discussed in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), especially “pincer” impingement. It can be present with or without symptoms.
Acetabular offset is a hip measurement that describes where the hip socket (acetabulum) sits relative to the pelvis. It helps describe the position of the hip’s center of rotation (the “ball-and-socket” center). Clinicians most often use it in hip imaging reports and in planning or evaluating hip surgery, especially total hip replacement. In simple terms, it helps answer: “How far in or out is the socket and hip center from the pelvis?”
Acetabular notch is a normal groove at the lower (inferior) edge of the hip socket. It is part of the acetabulum, the cup-shaped surface that holds the femoral head. Clinicians refer to it as an anatomic landmark in imaging, hip arthroscopy, and pelvic/acetabular surgery. It is commonly discussed together with the transverse acetabular ligament and the ligament of the femoral head.