3. Lateral view

Figure 1. Lateral view, transverse plane.

Transverse ultrasound section of the lateral portion of the thigh at the distal level, where the m. vastus lateralis is visible superficially as a hypoechoic muscle layer with fine internal fibrous bands. Deeper, the cortical contour of the femur is displayed as a continuous curved hyperechoic line with dorsal acoustic shadowing, which represents the main bony landmark of this projection. This view serves primarily to identify the femur and as a reference starting level for its proximal tracking toward the greater trochanter.

Figure 2. Lateral view, transverse plane.

Transverse ultrasound section of the lateral part of the hip region with proximal displacement of the probe along the femur. At this level, the originally round shape of the femur changes to a more pronounced triangular to pyramidal bone contour, which corresponds to the greater trochanter area and represents an important landmark during sonographic examination of the lateral hip. Correct identification of the greater trochanter is essential for subsequent evaluation of surrounding tendon attachments and bursae in this region.

Figure 3. Lateral view, oblique plane. TFL: m. tensor fasciae latae, GM: m. gluteus minimus tendon

Oblique ultrasound section of the lateral part of the hip region focused on the anterior facet of the greater trochanter. Superficially and laterally, the m. tensor fasciae latae (TFL) is visible, beneath which runs the m. gluteus minimus tendon (GM) inserting on the anterior facet of the greater trochanter and appearing as a well-defined fibrillar hyperechoic band. This projection is essential for evaluating the insertion of the m. gluteus minimus tendon and for detecting tendinopathy or partial ruptures of gluteal tendons in patients with lateral hip pain.

Figure 4. Lateral view, oblique plane.

Oblique ultrasound section of the lateral part of the hip region showing the greater trochanter area. Superficially, the m. gluteus maximus is visible, beneath it the tendon of m. gluteus medius adjacent to the lateral facet of the greater trochanter, with the bone contour of the proximal femur depicted deeply as the main landmark of this projection. This projection is essential for evaluating the insertion of m. gluteus medius and for detecting tendinopathy, partial ruptures, and changes in the peritrochanteric bursae in patients with lateral hip pain.