Physical Exam

Hip Palpation

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Begin by carefully palpating the area of pain or other concern. Palpate the iliac crests, anterior and posterior superior iliac spines, sacrum, coccyx, greater trochanters, ischial tuberosities, and pubic symphysis as clinically indicated. Compare paired structures bilaterally. Note any focal tenderness, swelling, warmth, or mass.

How to Interpret

Hip Osteoarthritis

Tenderness on palpation over the anterior hip and groin

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

Minimally helpful

Evidence:Limited

References

Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.

Grimaldi A, Mellor R, Nicolson P, Hodges P, Bennell K, Vicenzino B. Utility of clinical tests to diagnose MRI-confirmed gluteal tendinopathy in patients presenting with lateral hip pain. Br J Sports Med. 2017;51(6):519-524. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096175. PMID 27633027.
Cacchio A, Borra F, Severini G, Foglia A, Musarra F, Taddio N, De Paulis F. Reliability and validity of three pain provocation tests used for the diagnosis of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy. Br J Sports Med. 2012 Sep;46(12):883-887. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2011-090325. PMID 22219215.
Weir A, Brukner P, Delahunt E, et al. Doha agreement meeting on terminology and definitions in groin pain in athletes. Br J Sports Med. 2015 Jun;49(12):768-774. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-094869. PMID 26031643.
Metcalfe D, Perry DC, Claireaux HA, et al. Does This Patient Have Hip Osteoarthritis? The Rational Clinical Examination Systematic Review. JAMA. 2019;322(23):2323-2333. PMID: 31846019.
Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.