Which structure is commonly palpated during hip examination?

Which structure is commonly palpated during hip examination?

• A. Iliac crests
• B. Lateral malleolus
• C. Acromion
• D. Greater trochanter

Answer: (D)

During a hip examination, the greater trochanter is the structure you commonly palpate. It’s the prominent bump on the lateral side of the proximal femur just below the hip joint and is where the hip abductor muscles (like the gluteus medius and minimus) attach. This makes it a reliable surface landmark for locating the hip joint and assessing tenderness, alignment, and movement. Feeling for the greater trochanter helps you detect issues such as trochanteric bursitis, fractures, or abnormal tenderness around the hip. The other landmarks listed aren’t primary palpation targets for a hip exam. The iliac crests are pelvic landmarks but not the main focus of hip assessment. The lateral malleolus is at the ankle, and the acromion is part of the shoulder girdle, so they aren’t relevant to evaluating the hip.

During a hip examination, the greater trochanter is the structure you commonly palpate. It’s the prominent bump on the lateral side of the proximal femur just below the hip joint and is where the hip abductor muscles (like the gluteus medius and minimus) attach. This makes it a reliable surface landmark for locating the hip joint and assessing tenderness, alignment, and movement. Feeling for the greater trochanter helps you detect issues such as trochanteric bursitis, fractures, or abnormal tenderness around the hip.

The other landmarks listed aren’t primary palpation targets for a hip exam. The iliac crests are pelvic landmarks but not the main focus of hip assessment. The lateral malleolus is at the ankle, and the acromion is part of the shoulder girdle, so they aren’t relevant to evaluating the hip.