Final answer:
Pain at the lateral aspect of the thigh or buttock is often associated with the ischium, specifically the ischial tuberosity where posterior thigh muscles attach, or it can be related to muscle attachments on the femur's gluteal tuberosity and linea aspera. It may also arise from conditions related to the hip joint itself, including the acetabulum.
Step-by-step explanation:
In clarifying hip pain, pain at the lateral aspect of the thigh or buttock suggests issues with structures localized in that area, like the muscles, ligaments, or the hip joint itself. The ischium forms the posterolateral portion of the hip bone, and this region supports the weight of the body when sitting. The ischial tuberosity serves as the attachment for the posterior thigh muscles and is often a site for pain due to its weight-bearing function or muscle attachments.
On the femur, the gluteal tuberosity and linea aspera are sites of attachment for the gluteal group of muscles and various hip and thigh muscles. When these muscles are overused or strained, pain can be referred to the lateral aspect of the thigh or buttock. Additionally, the acetabulum forms part of the hip joint on the lateral side of the hip bone, and joint-related issues can also lead to pain in this area.