Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Hip Palpation

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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

Showing 1 of 4 findings

Gluteal Tendinopathy

Tenderness on palpation over the greater trochanter
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulWide CI
Evidence:ModerateResearch in progress

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming soon
Hip Strength
Rule in:VHFunctional Neurologic Disease, VHGluteal Tendinopathy, VHLumbosacral Radiculopathy +6 more
Rule out:HGluteal Tendinopathy, HLumbosacral Radiculopathy, SHFunctional Neurologic Disease +6 more
🎬Video coming soon
Trendelenburg Sign
aka Trendelenburg test
Rule in:HGluteal Tendinopathy
Rule out:ICGluteal Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming soon
Hip Passive Range of Motion
Rule in:HHip Osteoarthritis, NHIntra-articular Hip Pathology, IEHip Flexion Contracture
Rule out:SHHip Osteoarthritis, NHIntra-articular Hip Pathology, IEHip Flexion Contracture
🎬Video coming soon
FABER Test
aka Patrick test
Rule in:SHSacroiliac Joint Pathology, NHIntra-articular Hip Pathology, IEHip Flexion Contracture +1 more
Rule out:SHSacroiliac Joint Pathology, NHIntra-articular Hip Pathology, IEHip Flexion Contracture +1 more
🎬Video coming soon
Gait Assessment
Rule in:VHStroke, HFalls, HVascular Parkinsonism +24 more
Rule out:SHDementia, SHVascular Parkinsonism, MHFalls +24 more
🎬Video coming soon
Lower Extremity Inspection and Palpation
Rule in:VHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, VHKnee Osteoarthritis, HAchilles Tendon Rupture +7 more
Rule out:SHAchilles Tendon Rupture, SHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, SHKnee Osteoarthritis +7 more

Related Systems / Regions

HipLower ExtremitiesMusculoskeletalPelvis

Related Diagnoses

Gluteal TendinopathyHip OsteoarthritisProximal Hamstring TendinopathyPubic-related Groin Pain

Related Chief Complaints

Buttock PainCentral Groin PainDeep Buttock PainDifficulty WalkingGroin PainHip PainHip StiffnessLateral Hip PainLimpLower Abdominal and Groin PainOuter Hip PainPain at the Sit BonePain Lying on the SidePain Over the Pubic BonePain When SittingPain with Hip RotationPain with KickingPain with Prolonged SittingPain with RunningPain with Sit-upsPosterior Thigh PainTenderness Over the Ischial TuberosityTenderness Over the Pubic Symphysis

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 Mar;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.