A hip pointer is a bruise to the upper part of your hip. Many muscles, including abdominal muscles, attach at this site. A hip pointer can involve injury to bone and soft tissue.
The iliac crest is the top curve of the pelvis toward the front of the body.
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Hip pointers are caused by a direct blow to the bony part of the pelvis. This commonly occurs in when the pelvis comes into contact with a hard object, like a helmet. It can also occur by taking a hard fall onto the hip.
Participating in contact sports increases your chance of developing a hip pointer. Football players and hockey players are especially at risk. Hip pointers are also more common while playing basketball and soccer.
Symptoms of a hip pointer include:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. An orthopedist focuses on bones and joints. A sports medicine physician focuses on sport-related injuries.
Images, such as x-rays, may need to be taken of structures related to this injury inside your body.
Hip pointers are treated with a variety of options, including:
Hip pointers occur through direct blows to the affected area. This is often accidental. As a result, not all hip pointers can be prevented. However, make sure to wear proper sports equipment and padding to decrease your chance of any injury.
American Physical Therapists Association
http://www.apta.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org
Adkins S, Figler R. Hip pain in athletes. Am Fam Physician. 2000 Apr 1;61(7):2109-2118. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000401/2109.html. Accessed March 5, 2018.
Hall M. Anderson J. Hip pointers. Clin Sports Med. 2013 Apr;32(2):325-330.
Waite B, Krabak BJ. Examination and Treatment of Pediatric Injuries of the Hip and Pelvis. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 2008;19(2).
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review BoardAlan Drabkin, MD Last Updated: 3/18/2013