Female Hip, Lateral View

Description

Seen in lateral profile, the os coxae (hip bone) forms the acetabulum laterally, cradling the femoral head with the femoral neck angling inferomedially toward the shaft and terminating distally at the greater trochanter prominence. Superiorly, the iliac crest and anterior superior iliac spine provide bony landmarks, while posteriorly the ischial tuberosity sits inferior and posterior to the acetabular rim. Superficial and deep layers typically include gluteus maximus posteriorly, gluteus medius and minimus attaching to the greater trochanter laterally, and tensor fasciae latae anterolaterally blending into the iliotibial tract along the lateral thigh. Bursae overlying the greater trochanter lie between the trochanter and the overpassing tendons. Clear landmarks. Lateral hip anatomy is where abductor mechanics and peritrochanteric pain syndromes are taught and tested, because the gluteus medius and minimus insertions sit directly on the lateral and anterior facets of the greater trochanter and fail clinically as tendinopathy or tears. That relationship explains a Trendelenburg gait and guides ultrasound-guided injections targeting the trochanteric bursa without entering the joint capsule. The same bony silhouette also matters in femoral neck fractures and in planning surgical approaches, since the interval between gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae is exploited in the direct anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty. Use this artwork in undergraduate gross anatomy and kinesiology modules to anchor discussions of acetabular orientation, femoral neck-shaft angle, and hip abductor moment arms, and in orthopedic or sports medicine publications describing greater trochanteric pain syndrome, gluteal tendon repair, or anterior-approach arthroplasty landmarks. It also fits patient-facing education on lateral hip bursitis versus intra-articular hip pain. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.