Where is the trochanteric region located?

Location of the Trochanteric Region

The trochanteric region is located at the lateral aspect of the proximal femur (upper thigh bone), centered around the greater trochanter of the hip. 1

Anatomical Boundaries and Structures

Bony Landmarks

• The greater trochanter consists of four distinct facets: 2
  • Anterior facet - where the gluteus minimus muscle attaches
  • Lateral facet - where the gluteus medius muscle attaches (along with the superoposterior facet)
  • Posterior facet - covered by the trochanteric bursa
  • Superoposterior facet - site of gluteus medius attachment

Soft Tissue Components

• The trochanteric region includes a complex of three bursae: 2
  • Trochanteric bursa (subgluteus maximus bursa) - covers the posterior facet and lateral insertion of gluteus medius
  • Subgluteus medius bursa - located in the superior part of the lateral facet, underneath the gluteus medius tendon
  • Subgluteus minimus bursa - lies in the anterior facet area, underneath the gluteus minimus tendon

Clinical Landmarks

• The region extends from approximately 0.5 cm laterally from the outside edge of the greater trochanter 1
• Imaging should capture approximately 3 centimeters of soft tissue above the greater trochanter 1
• The lesser trochanter lies medially and inferiorly, serving as a lower reference point 1

Clinical Relevance

Pain Presentation

• Patients with trochanteric pathology typically present with pain over the lateral hip, buttock, or lateral thigh 3, 4
• Tenderness to palpation over the greater trochanter when lying on the affected side is characteristic 3

Common Pathologies in This Region

• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome affects 10-25% of the general population 3
• The trochanteric region is the site of trochanteric bursitis, gluteus medius/minimus tears, and external coxa saltans (snapping hip) 3