The Facts about “Hip Pointers”

The words “Hip Pointer” might paint a mental picture of a finger-shaped bone jutting from the hip, or perhaps a special breed of dog. In reality, the term merely refers to a bruise of the hip. This bruise, or contusion, is most commonly caused by impact to the iliac crest (the rim of the hip bone) or the greater trochanter (the largest bone protrusion felt on the side of the leg nearest the iliac crest). The injury often occurs in sports, such as football or soccer, when a player falls or sustains a direct blow.

Signs and symptoms of a hip pointer may include, but are not exclusive to: pain to touch, or with running or jumping, leg weakness in one or more directions, poor balance and walking mechanics, and stiffness with sitting. One may also see swelling or discoloration of the skin if blood permeates the area, causing a hematoma. A comprehensive patient history, medical exam, and/or an X-ray will lead to a proper diagnosis. Doctors may use other forms of imaging studies, such as a bone- or CT scan, to rule out more serious injuries.

Initial treatment simply consists of RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Prescription medication may also suppress the inflammatory response. If symptoms persist (and alternate diagnoses have been excluded), the patient can start a program of physical therapy to expedite healing and the return to function or sport. Treatment consists of education, protocol for weaning off assistive devices (e.g. crutches), exercises to address found weaknesses, and training in athletic maneuvers. Prognosis of returning to “normalcy” varies between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. Because the anatomy of the hip in this region falls short of overlaying tissue, adequate padding – and education – may prove the best defense against a pointer.

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