Trochanter: Bony Landmark for Muscle Attachment

A trochanter is a large, blunt bony prominence on the femur serving as a major attachment site for muscles and tendons.

Two Trochanters on the Femur

• Greater Trochanter: Lateral, palpable. Attachment for gluteus medius, minimus, piriformis, obturator internus/externus, gemelli — hip abductors/external rotators.
• Lesser Trochanter: Medial, posterior. Attachment for iliopsoas (hip flexor).

Clinical Relevance

• Fractures: Intertrochanteric, pertrochanteric, subtrochanteric — common in elderly osteoporosis.
• Avulsion injuries: Sudden forceful contraction (e.g., sprinting) can avulse lesser trochanter (iliopsoas) or greater trochanter (gluteals).
• Bursitis: Trochanteric bursitis (greater trochanter) — lateral hip pain.
• Surgical landmark: For hip arthroplasty, nailing, approaches.

Trochanters are not bone types — they are features of bones (specifically the femur) where powerful muscles anchor.