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Condition
The hip bone (iliac crest) is one of the least protected parts of the human body in football. There’s no padding in that area, though a body part nestled in at the center of the hip is protected. The same goes for the portion of the leg joined to the hip, specifically the top of the femur (Greater traochanier). A hip pointer is a common injury to this unprotected area.
Symptoms
Pain, tenderness when pressing affected part of hip, bruising, swelling, reduced range of movement, some muscle weakness
Diagnosis
Needs to be diagnosed clinically by a doctor. Radiographs can be used to determine whether a minor fracture took place. MRI and ultrasound can be used to determine the extent of the confusion or bruise (hematoma). Finally, x-rays can determine whether teenage players suffered an avulsion fracture.
Treatment
Rest, ice pack, compression, pain killers, gentle massage to reduce any swelling, acute injections of corticosteroids (only in select cases), needle aspiration to drain the blood from a bruise.
Rehab
Two to four weeks.
IMAGE SOURCE: Creative Commons
