The obturator bursa lies between the obturator externus tendon and the posterior hip joint capsule as the tendon curves around the posterior femoral neck to the trochanteric fossa. It reduces friction between the obturator externus tendon and the joint capsule during hip rotation. The bursa may communicate with the hip joint in pathological states and is closely related to the posterior structures of the deep gluteal space.
| Location | Between the obturator externus tendon and the posteroinferior hip joint capsule, as the tendon passes behind the femoral neck to the trochanteric fossa |
|---|---|
| Nearby |
|
Reduces friction between the obturator externus tendon and the hip joint capsule during hip rotation
The obturator bursa is rarely a primary source of symptoms but may become inflamed as part of ischiofemoral impingement where the obturator externus tendon and quadratus femoris are compressed between the lesser trochanter and ischium. When symptomatic it produces deep posterior groin or hip pain reproduced by resisted external rotation of the flexed hip. It is also relevant in posterior hip approaches where the obturator externus is divided from the trochanteric fossa, potentially exposing the bursa. MRI of the posterior hip may show fluid around the obturator externus tendon, and ultrasound-guided injection can confirm the bursa as a pain source.
Compression of the posterior hip deep structures in ischiofemoral impingement produces MRI signal changes including fluid around the obturator externus tendon and bursa alongside the characteristic quadratus femoris oedema, helping to confirm the anatomical location of the compression syndrome.
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