Adductor Canal

canalis adductorius

The adductor canal (Hunter canal, subsartorial canal) is a triangular aponeurotic tunnel in the middle third of the medial thigh running from the apex of the femoral triangle to the adductor hiatus in the adductor magnus. Its anterior wall is the vastoadductor membrane (between vastus medialis and adductors); its medial wall is adductor longus (proximally) and adductor magnus; its lateral wall is vastus medialis. It transmits the femoral artery and vein, the saphenous nerve, and the nerve to vastus medialis.

Region: Thigh

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The adductor canal is the anatomical target for adductor canal block (saphenous nerve block), which provides selective anaesthesia of the medial knee and leg without motor block of the quadriceps, making it superior to femoral nerve block for post-operative knee arthroplasty analgesia. The saphenous nerve is blocked as it enters the canal at the upper thigh, providing long-lasting medial knee anaesthesia. The femoral artery becomes the popliteal artery as it passes through the adductor hiatus at the canal's distal end.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Adductor Canal Block for Knee Arthroplasty Analgesia

Ultrasound-guided injection of local anaesthetic into the adductor canal at mid-thigh level blocks the saphenous nerve and articular branches to the knee while preserving quadriceps motor function, enabling early ambulation after total knee arthroplasty compared to femoral nerve block which weakens quadriceps.