Femur Showing The Greater Trochanter, Posterior View

Description

Greater trochanter anatomy dominates this posterior view of the proximal femur, projecting as a broad lateral eminence just distal to the femoral neck. From this fixed perspective, the intertrochanteric crest runs inferomedially from the greater trochanter toward the lesser trochanter, forming a palpable ridge on the posterior aspect of the bone. The trochanteric fossa is visible on the medial surface of the greater trochanter, while the gluteal tuberosity and proximal linea aspera begin inferiorly on the posterior shaft as longitudinal roughenings for muscular attachment. Landmarks are crisp. Posterior trochanteric detail matters because so much hip pain and surgical planning hinges on what inserts or passes around this region: gluteus medius and minimus attach to the lateral and anterior facets of the greater trochanter, the short external rotators (including obturator internus with gemelli and obturator externus) relate closely to the trochanteric fossa, and the quadrate tubercle on the intertrochanteric crest marks quadratus femoris insertion. Trochanteric bursitis and gluteus medius/minimus tendinopathy localize to the lateral greater trochanter, while intertrochanteric fractures track between the trochanters and can disrupt the posterior cortex seen here, a key concern when selecting a cephalomedullary nail entry point and assessing reduction on postoperative imaging. Surface topography, not just bone shape, carries the teaching value. Orthopedic textbooks and fracture classification modules can use this illustration to anchor discussions of extracapsular proximal femur fractures, posterolateral hip approaches, and muscle insertions around the hip joint. Anatomy and kinesiology courses will also find it useful when correlating palpation of the greater trochanter with gluteal function and lateral hip pain syndromes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.