Which anatomical landmarks are important in assessing the hip joint?

• A. Iliac crest, greater trochanter, and anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
• B. Patella, tibial tuberosity, and medial malleolus
• C. Femoral head, pelvic symphysis, and sacrum
• D. Calcaneus, navicular, and cuneiform bones

Answer: (A)

The anatomical landmarks important in assessing the hip joint include the iliac crest, greater trochanter, and anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) because they provide critical points of reference for evaluating the hip's structure and function.

The iliac crest serves as a prominent bony structure that helps define the level of the pelvis and is useful for locating other pelvic structures. The greater trochanter of the femur is an essential landmark for assessing hip alignment and muscle attachment points, specifically for the hip's abductors and lateral rotators. The anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) is significant for identifying the anterior aspect of the pelvis and helps in assessing pelvic tilt, which can affect hip motion and function.

In contrast, the other options focus on landmarks irrelevant to the hip joint. The patella, tibial tuberosity, and medial malleolus pertain to the knee and lower leg rather than the hip. The femoral head, pelvic symphysis, and sacrum deal with the connection of the hip to the pelvis but are not as directly palpable or useful for functional assessment. Lastly, the calcaneus, navicular, and cuneiform bones relate to the foot and ankle, thus not being involved in the