Hip Area, Gross Anatomy

Description

Centered on the lateral hip, the highlighted region overlies the iliac crest and anterior superior iliac spine superiorly, then sweeps inferiorly toward the greater trochanter of the femur. Along this surface, the tensor fasciae latae sits anterolaterally, with gluteus medius and gluteus minimus deep to it and spanning from the outer table of the ilium to the lateral aspect of the proximal femur. Medially, the contour transitions toward the pelvic brim and the anterior pelvis, while posteriorly it blends into the gluteal mass overlying the posterior ilium and sacral region. The stance is neutral and readable. Lateral hip anatomy is where surface landmarks reliably guide procedures, and this rendering emphasizes the band between iliac crest and trochanter that clinicians palpate every day. Placement for a ventrogluteal intramuscular injection uses the anterior superior iliac spine and iliac crest to target gluteus medius and avoid the sciatic nerve, which lies more posterior and inferior in the gluteal region. Pain over the greater trochanter often reflects greater trochanteric pain syndrome (gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy with trochanteric bursitis), and the illustrated lateral shading aligns with the typical distribution of tenderness and ultrasound-guided injection targets. Use this figure in gross anatomy and surface anatomy teaching to link the coxal bone (innominate bone) to palpable landmarks and underlying abductor musculature. It also suits patient education handouts and orthopaedic or sports medicine publications discussing lateral approach total hip arthroplasty, trochanteric bursitis, or safe injection site selection in a Black adult female model. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.