Femoral head is the rounded “ball” at the top of the thighbone (femur). It forms the ball-and-socket hip joint by fitting into the hip socket (acetabulum). Clinicians reference it when evaluating hip pain, stiffness, injury, or arthritis. The term is also used for prosthetic “head” parts in hip replacement surgery.

Femoral epiphysis is the end portion of the femur (thigh bone) that forms part of a joint. It is especially important in children and teens because it is closely related to growth plates. Clinicians commonly reference it in hip and knee imaging, injury classification, and growth assessment.

Femoral derotation osteotomy is a surgery that changes the twist (rotation) of the femur (thigh bone). It is used to improve how the hip, knee, and foot line up during standing and walking. It is most commonly considered when abnormal femoral rotation contributes to pain, impingement, or functional problems. It can be performed in children, adolescents, and adults depending on the condition and goals.

Femoral component is the part of a joint replacement implant that sits on or inside the femur (thigh bone). In hip replacement, it usually includes a stem placed in the femur and a ball (head) that forms the “ball” of the ball-and-socket joint. It is commonly used in total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, and some hip resurfacing procedures. The term is also used in knee replacement to describe the metal piece that covers the end of the femur.

Femoral canal preparation is the process of shaping the inside of the thighbone (femur) to fit a hip implant stem. It is most commonly performed during total hip replacement and some revision hip surgeries. The goal is to create a stable, appropriately sized channel in the femur for the selected implant. It is a technical step within surgery rather than a stand-alone treatment.

Femoral calcar is a strong ridge of bone inside the upper femur near the hip joint. It acts like a structural “buttress” that helps the femoral neck handle weight-bearing forces. Clinicians discuss it when evaluating hip fractures, osteoporosis-related bone strength, and hip replacement planning. It is most commonly referenced on hip X-rays, CT scans, and during total hip arthroplasty.

Femoral artery is a major blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood to the thigh and lower leg. It begins in the groin and continues down the front/inner part of the thigh. Clinicians commonly assess it by feeling the pulse or using ultrasound. It is also a frequent access site for catheters used in imaging and vascular procedures.

An External fixator pelvis is a rigid frame that stabilizes the pelvic bones from outside the body. It uses pins placed into pelvic bone and connected to bars or clamps outside the skin. It is most commonly used in emergency and trauma care for certain pelvic fractures. It may also be used as temporary support before a more definitive surgery.

External snapping hip syndrome is a condition where a tendon or band on the outside of the hip moves over bone and creates a “snap” or “click.” It is often felt near the bony point on the outer hip (the greater trochanter). The snapping can be painless, uncomfortable, or associated with lateral hip pain. The term is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy when evaluating hip clicking and outer-hip pain.

External snapping hip is a condition where a person feels or hears a “snap” on the outside of the hip. It usually happens when moving the hip from flexion to extension, such as standing up, walking, or running. The snap commonly comes from soft tissue sliding over the bony prominence on the side of the femur. The term is used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy to describe a specific pattern of hip clicking.