Bony landmark · Hips

Lesser trochanter

Trochanter minor

The lesser trochanter is a smaller cone of bone pointing backwards and inwards from the top of the thigh bone. It has essentially one job: it is where the iliopsoas inserts — the psoas major coming down from the lumbar spine, joined by the iliacus from the inner surface of the pelvis. It is the only place a muscle attaches the lumbar spine directly to the leg, which is why the hip flexor and the low back are mechanically inseparable.