hip pointer

Last reviewed 01/2018

Hip Pointer

• hip pointer refers to a contusion of the iliac crest
  • also been used to describe avulsions or fractures about the lateral hip
    • direct impact can cause an avulsion fracture where a portion of bone is removed by a muscle
  • pain is due to the cluneal nerve that runs right along the iliac crest
  • hip pointer haematoma usually causes bleeding into the hip abductor muscles
    • bleeding into muscle tissue creates swelling and makes leg movement painful
  • a full assessment should be undertaken to rule out the possibility of damage to abdominal organs
    
    
• radiographs are often necessary to rule out boney injury
  
  
• treatment is often symptomatic, including ice, compression, rest, and potentially protected ambulation
  • avoiding vigorous activity for 48 hours may reduce recurrent bleeding
  • corticosteroid injection may help facilitate a return to activity
  • injury usually lasts from one to six weeks, depending on the damage
    • in most cases, patients recover completely

Reference:

• Grumet RC et al. Lateral Hip Pain in an Athletic Population: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Options.Sports Health 2010; 2(3): 191-6.