The trochanter is located on the thighbone, specifically the femur, near the top of the bone. It is a bony knob that can be felt on the outer side of the upper thigh, where the thigh curves outward. This bony prominence is commonly known as the greater trochanter.
To give you a better understanding of its location, try placing your hand on the side of your hip, just below the waistline. If you move your hand downward towards your thigh, you will eventually feel a hard bump or knob. This is the greater trochanter.
The trochanter serves as an attachment point for various muscles and tendons of the hip and thigh. It plays a crucial role in providing stability and allowing movement at the hip joint. The muscles that attach to the trochanter include the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and piriformis muscles, among others.
In addition to the trochanter itself, there is also a small fluid-filled sac called the trochanteric bursa that is located over the bony knob. This bursa acts as a cushion and reduces friction between the muscles and tendons that pass over the greater trochanter.
Sometimes, due to repetitive stress or injury, the trochanteric bursa can become inflamed, leading to a condition known as trochanteric bursitis. This can cause pain and discomfort in the outer hip region, particularly when walking, running, or lying on the affected side. Treatment for trochanteric bursitis often involves rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
The trochanter is a bony prominence located on the outer side of the upper thigh, near the top of the femur. It serves as an attachment point for several muscles and tendons and plays a crucial role in hip stability and movement. The trochanteric bursa, a fluid-filled sac, is located over the trochanter and can sometimes become inflamed, causing hip pain.