How to palpate greater trochanter?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how to locate and feel the greater trochanter, which is a bony prominence on the femur, important in anatomy and physical assessment.
Answer
Run your fingers up the lateral side of the thigh near the hip to palpate the greater trochanter.
To palpate the greater trochanter, position the patient on their unaffected side with hips flexed, then run your fingers up the lateral side of their thigh near the hip to feel the bony prominence.
Answer for screen readers
To palpate the greater trochanter, position the patient on their unaffected side with hips flexed, then run your fingers up the lateral side of their thigh near the hip to feel the bony prominence.
More Information
The greater trochanter serves as an attachment point for muscles of the buttock and is a common site for tendinopathy and pain.
Tips
Make sure to palpate gently to assess for any tenderness which might indicate underlying conditions.
Sources
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) - myfamilyphysio.com.au
- Greater Trochanter Palpation | Gluteal Tendinopathy (GTPS) - physiotutors.com
