The injury described as a deep contusion to the iliac crest and/or the greater trochanteric region of the femur is best known as a hip pointer. This type of injury commonly occurs due to a direct blow or impact to the hip area, leading to significant pain, bruising, and tenderness in the affected areas.
Hip pointer injuries are frequently seen in contact sports like football, hockey, or soccer, where collisions or falls can result in trauma to the hip region. Athletes experiencing a hip pointer may have difficulty moving the hip, walking, or participating in physical activities due to the pain and discomfort associated with the injury.
To differentiate a hip pointer from the other options provided:
- Epicondylitis refers to inflammation of the tendons that attach to the epicondyle of a bone, often seen in conditions like tennis elbow or golfer's elbow.
- Joint capsule injury involves damage to the fibrous capsule that surrounds a joint, leading to instability and pain in the affected joint.
- Rotator cuff strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint, commonly seen in athletes involved in overhead sports like baseball or swimming.
Therefore, based on the specific description of the injury in the question, a hip pointer aligns best with a deep contusion to the iliac crest and/or greater trochanteric region of the femur.