What is a hip drop measurement?

Hip drop measurement is the difference in height between the iliac crest and the greater trochanter of the hip joint of a subject. It plays a role in the analysis of gait patterns, particularly in assessing pelvic obliquity and hip joint mobility.

To measure the hip drop:

Position the subject in standing posture with feet shoulder-width apart.

Locate the iliac crest, the highest point on the hip bone on either side of the spine.

Identify the greater trochanter of the femur, the bony prominence on the upper outer side of the thigh bone.

Use a tape measure or a level to measure the vertical distance between the iliac crest and the greater trochanter on both sides.

Compare the measurements on both sides to calculate the hip drop.

Hip drop can provide information about muscle strength, joint range of motion, and potential postural imbalances. It can be useful in assessing conditions such as hip joint dysfunction, muscular imbalances, scoliosis, and pelvic tilt.