Standing, sidelying or lying supine or prone
If you wish to palpate on the skin, provide a private room for assessment. Ask the patient if he/she is
willing to allow direct palpation on the skin, if needed, which might involve raising the side of the shorts
or draping with a gown. While the skin can not be viewed with clothes covering the area, the greater trochanter
usually can be palpated over clothing.
Lateral to the patient.
If standing, you may wish to stand posterolateral to the patient on the side of the palpation. Place your non-palpating hand on the patientís lateral pelvis
on the non-palpated side and, if needed, stabilize the patientís pelvis with your body.
Possible trauma or damage to the thigh bone can be evaluated more accurately if you raise your shorts or wear a gown (and demonstrate the level, which is the level of the greater trochanter). Would you feel comfortable doing this? If not, I can assess some things without moving your clothing and with pressure from my fingers. Please stand or lie on your side or stomach or back (whichever you request). May I place my hand on the side of your thigh? (You can use a skeleton if available). Please rotate your whole leg in and out.
(If the patient is weight bearing), please stand on your other leg and rotate the leg I have my hand touching in and out (and demonstrate, which is easier).
(If the patient is weight bearing), please stand on your other leg and rotate the leg I have my hand touching in and out (and demonstrate, which is easier).
Guide the patient to drape and be in the position you want. If given permission, place your flat hand on the patientís proximal lateral thigh. Guide the patient to medially and laterally rotate the hip. The greater trochanter should become more and then less prominent under your hand. Replace your hand with one or two fingers at the area of greatest prominence.
VH - Greater trochanter