Obturator nerve: obturator canal and adductor planes
The obturator nerve leaves the pelvis through the obturator canal, where pelvic lesions, hernias, cysts or other masses can compress it; more distally, entrapment by the fascia of the short adductors has been described in relation to its anterior branch. The neuropathy is uncommon. The side-lying hip abduction test is the neurodynamic test that loads it.
Obturator canal
The obturator nerve leaves the pelvis through the canal in the upper part of the obturator foramen. Pelvic lesions, hernias, cysts or other masses may compress it. The neuropathy is uncommon; the cause and the level must be investigated individually.
- Frequency
- Described site, less commonly seen.
- Type of evidence
- Review of clinical studies
References
- Scharfetter S, Wimmer F, Russe E, Schwaiger K, Pumberger P, Weitgasser L, Schaffler G, Wechselberger G. Endogenous Causes of Obturator Nerve Entrapment: Literature Review and Proposal of a Treatment Algorithm. J Clin Med 2025. PubMed 40142876 · DOI
- Kumar S, Mangi MD, Zadow S, Lim W. Nerve entrapment syndromes of the lower limb: a pictorial review. Insights Imaging 2023. PubMed 37782348 · DOI
Anterior branch · adductor planes
More distally, entrapments by the fascia of the short adductors are described. The anterior branch is related to the plane between adductor longus and adductor brevis. Medial thigh pain has other possible causes, so this image provides anatomical orientation, not diagnostic confirmation.
- Frequency
- Proposed with limited evidence: case series, clinical commentaries or anatomical descriptions.
- Type of evidence
- Clinical commentary
References
- Martin R, Martin HD, Kivlan BR. NERVE ENTRAPMENT IN THE HIP REGION: CURRENT CONCEPTS REVIEW. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2017. PubMed 29234567 · DOI