Adductor muscles of the hip


The adductor muscles of the hip are a group of muscles mostly used for bringing the thighs together.

Structure

The adductor group is made up of:
The adductors originate on the pubis and ischium bones and insert mainly on the medial posterior surface of the femur.
MuscleOriginInsertioninnervation
Adductor brevisInferior pubic ramusMedial ridge of linea asperaObturator nerve
Adductor longusFront side of the pubic bone under the pubic tubercleMedial ridge of linea asperaObturator nerve
Adductor magnusInferior pubic ramus and ischial tuberosityMedial ridge of linea aspera and the adductor tubercleObturator nerve and tibial nerve
Adductor minimusInferior pubic ramusMedial ridge of linea asperaObturator nerve
PectineusPectineal line Pectineal lineFemoral nerve and sometimes the obturator nerve
GracilisInferior pubic ramusPes anserinus on the tibiaObturator nerve
Obturator externusLateral surface of obturator membrane and the ischiopubic ramusTrochanteric fossaPosterior branch of obturator nerve

Nerve supply

The pectineus is the only adductor muscle that is innervated by the femoral nerve. The other adductor muscles are innervated by the obturator nerve with the exception of a small part of the adductor magnus which is innervated by the tibial nerve.

Variation

In 33% of people a supernumerary muscle is found between the adductor brevis and adductor minimus. When present, this muscle originates from the upper part of the inferior ramus of the pubis from where it runs downwards and laterally. In half of cases, it inserts into the anterior surface of the insertion aponeurosis of the adductor minimus. In the remaining cases, it is either inserted into the upper part of the pectineal line or the posterior part of the lesser trochanter. While similar to its neighbouring adductors, it is formed by separation from the superficial layer of the obturator externus, and is thus not ontogenetically related to the adductors.

Clinical significance

Tenotomy

So-called adductor tenotomy and obturator neurectomy is sometimes performed on children with cerebral palsy. These children often have hypertonia of the adductor muscles, making abduction difficult, obstructing normal hip development, and putting them at risk of hip luxation.