The Development of the Hip

The position of flexion of the coxofemoral joint during the intrauterine period often makes it difficult to interpret sections crossing the joint in various planes. From our studies of anatomy and from our clinical expsosure we are used to see this joint in extension. We will, however, attempt to ease the visualization of the coxofemoral joint in a flexed position by giving as dynamic as possible a picture of the successive stages of formation of this joint between the 6th and 20 weeks.