The term “hip dips” has become common in public discussions to describe the inward curves on the side of the body just below the hip bone. Known scientifically as trochanteric depressions or sometimes “violin hips,” this feature frequently sparks questions about its nature and prevalence. These indentations are a result of underlying bone structure and the soft tissues surrounding the hip joint.
Defining Hip Dips
The trochanteric depression is an anatomical indentation located on the outer side of the upper thigh. It is formed by the relationship between two major bony landmarks: the iliac crest and the greater trochanter of the femur. The iliac crest is the uppermost portion of the hip bone, while the greater trochanter is a bony prominence at the top of the thigh bone.
The depression itself occurs in the space between these two points where the skin and other connective tissue are tethered to the underlying skeletal structures. This creates a natural pocket where soft tissue, like fat and muscle, may not fully fill the area, causing an inward curve.
The alternate name, “violin hip,” reflects the shape the indentation creates, resembling the double curve of a violin’s body. The presence of the depression is a matter of normal human variation, not a medical condition or an indicator of health. The extent of the indentation is a result of the individual’s unique structural makeup.
How Common Are Trochanteric Depressions
The notion that hip dips are rare is a misconception; they are, in fact, a normal and widespread anatomical feature. The underlying skeletal structure that permits their formation is present in all individuals. The primary difference between people is not the presence of the structure, but how noticeable the indentation appears.
The perceived rarity of hip dips is often influenced by media portrayal and social contexts, where specific body types are selectively highlighted through lighting, posing, and digital editing. Such curated images can create an unrealistic standard that suggests a smooth, uninterrupted curve from the waist to the thigh is the only normal shape.
People of all body weights and compositions can have trochanteric depressions, confirming they are a common part of the natural spectrum of human body shapes. They are not an indication of being under- or overweight, nor a sign of poor fitness.
The Role of Skeletal Structure and Tissue
The visibility of a trochanteric depression is determined by a combination of skeletal geometry and the distribution of soft tissue. Skeletal factors include the width of the pelvis and the distance between the iliac crest and the greater trochanter. A wider distance between these two bony points creates a larger space that soft tissue must bridge, often resulting in a more prominent dip.
The amount and distribution of subcutaneous fat also play a large part in the hip’s outer contour. If an individual stores less fat in the specific area over the greater trochanter, the indentation is likely to be more defined. Conversely, higher fat deposits in the surrounding area can soften or entirely fill the depression, making it less noticeable.
Muscle development, specifically the size of the gluteal muscles, also influences the appearance. Robust development of these muscles can add volume around the hip joint, which helps to smooth the contour and reduce the prominence of the dip. Since bone structure is fixed, soft tissue factors are the primary variables determining how apparent the depression is from person to person.