Adductor Tubercle

tuberculum adductorium femoris

The adductor tubercle is a small bony prominence on the superomedial aspect of the medial femoral condyle, just above the medial epicondyle. It is the distal attachment of the adductor magnus muscle (its tendinous part running from the ischial tuberosity). The saphenous nerve and the articular branch of the descending genicular artery pass adjacent to it as they exit the adductor canal.

Region: Thigh

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The adductor tubercle is the key landmark for identifying the adductor magnus tendon and the adductor canal exit in surgery and in anatomical injection studies. Saphenous nerve block at the adductor canal level uses the adductor tubercle as a distal reference. In medial approach knee surgery, identification of the adductor tubercle orients the surgeon to the medial condyle anatomy. Adductor tubercle avulsion by the adductor magnus tendon occurs in high-energy knee injuries.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Adductor Magnus Avulsion at Adductor Tubercle

Forceful knee valgus or hip adductor overload may avulse the adductor magnus tendon from the adductor tubercle, producing medial thigh and knee pain with a palpable gap at the superomedial condyle, managed conservatively in most cases with physiotherapy and protected weight-bearing.