Female Hip, Lateral View

Description

Seen from the lateral aspect, the female coxa is oriented around the acetabulum, with the femoral head seated medially and the femoral neck angling superiorly toward the greater trochanter. The lateral flare of the ilium broadens superior to the acetabular rim, while the greater trochanter projects laterally as the main bony prominence for the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendon insertions. Anteriorly, the tensor fasciae latae blends into the iliotibial tract, which courses distally over the lateral hip and thigh; posteriorly, the short external rotators lie deep to the gluteus maximus and converge toward the posterior femur. Joint capsule contours the femoral neck. Clear landmarks. Lateral hip anatomy matters when pain localizes over the greater trochanter, where tendinopathy or tearing of the gluteus medius and minimus, often grouped clinically as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, mimics intra-articular disease. That distinction changes management, and a lateral view helps correlate surface tenderness and gait findings with the deep attachments and the friction interface beneath the iliotibial tract. Orthopaedic exposure also depends on these relationships, because the direct lateral (Hardinge) approach to total hip arthroplasty splits the abductor mechanism near the greater trochanter and places the superior gluteal nerve at risk if dissection drifts too proximal. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and musculoskeletal teaching to orient learners to the bony contours, abductor footprint, and capsule position that underpin hip examination, injection targeting, and operative planning. It also suits orthopaedic and sports medicine publications discussing trochanteric bursitis, abductor tears, snapping hip, and lateral-approach arthroplasty technique. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.