Trochanter

Trochanter

The trochanter is a bony prominence found in the human body, specifically in the femur bone. It serves as an attachment point for various muscles, tendons, and ligaments, playing a crucial role in the movement and stability of the hip joint. The term "trochanter" is derived from the Greek word "trokhantēr," which means "a runner."

Anatomy

The femur bone, also known as the thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It consists of several important anatomical features, including the trochanter. There are two main types of trochanters: the greater trochanter and the lesser trochanter.

The greater trochanter is a large, prominent bony projection located on the lateral side of the femur. It can be felt on the outer side of the hip and serves as an attachment site for various muscles, such as the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and piriformis. These muscles are responsible for hip abduction, rotation, and stabilization.

On the other hand, the lesser trochanter is a smaller bony prominence situated on the medial side of the femur, near the base of the femoral neck. It provides attachment points for muscles like the psoas major and iliacus, which are collectively known as the iliopsoas muscle. The iliopsoas muscle plays a significant role in hip flexion and stabilization.

Function

The trochanters play a crucial role in the movement and stability of the hip joint. They serve as attachment points for various muscles, tendons, and ligaments, allowing for the transmission of forces and facilitating the range of motion in the hip.

The greater trochanter, being larger and more prominent, provides a broader surface area for muscle attachment. It helps in maintaining the stability of the hip joint during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Additionally, the muscles attached to the greater trochanter contribute to the abduction and rotation of the hip.

The lesser trochanter, although smaller in size, is equally important. It serves as an attachment site for the powerful iliopsoas muscle, which is responsible for flexing the hip joint. This muscle is actively involved in activities like climbing stairs, sitting up from a lying position, and kicking.

Clinical Significance

In certain medical conditions, the trochanters can be affected, leading to pain and functional limitations. Trochanteric bursitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the bursa located over the greater trochanter. This condition can cause pain and tenderness on the outer side of the hip, especially during activities that involve repetitive hip movements.

Trochanteric fractures are another clinical concern. These fractures typically occur in older individuals with weakened bones, such as those with osteoporosis. Fractures of the greater trochanter can result in significant pain, difficulty in walking, and impaired hip function.

See Also

• Femur
• Hip Joint
• Bursa (anatomy)
• Osteoporosis