The hip joint is held in place by  ligament (ligamentum teres femoris) within the socket and by strong surrounding ligaments. A prominence of the femur at the outside top of the thigh provides attachment of gluteus medius and minimus muscles. Two large prominences, or condyles, on either side of the lower end of the femur form the upper half of the knee joint which is completed below by the tibia (shin bone) and patella (kneecap).

Trabeculae are present internally of the femur which add the ability to transmit pressure and resist stress. Human femurs can withstand compressive forces of between 1,800 lbs. and 2,500 lbs. (one ton equals 2,000 lbs.). This shows you how strong the femur is in terms of the largest bone in the lower body and how it is designed to support the weight of the body and other loads which may be placed on the body without undergoing stress fractures. The trabeculae no doubt are the main factor in the femur having an ability to resist stress and transmit pressure applied to it.

Trabeculae are small, often microscopic, tissue elements in the form of small beams, struts, or rods. They generally have a mechanical function, and usually are composed of dense collagenous tissue; although, they can be composed of other materials.