The obturator nerve supplies the adductor compartment and the medial thigh, and importantly gives an articular branch to the knee joint. Hip pathology producing obturator nerve irritation often refers pain to the medial thigh and knee. The Hunter-Howship syndrome of obturator hernia produces medial thigh pain mimicking knee pathology. Obturator neuropathy from pelvic surgery or obturator hernia produces adductor weakness and medial thigh sensory loss.
An expanded entry for Obturator Nerve.
| Origin | Lumbar plexus (L2, L3, L4) from the anterior divisions |
|---|---|
| Course | Descends medial to the psoas, exits the pelvis through the obturator canal with the obturator vessels, divides into anterior and posterior branches in the obturator foramen |
| Motor |
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| Sensory |
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The obturator nerve articular branch to the knee is the basis of referred pain from hip arthritis presenting as medial knee pain in elderly patients, the classic presentation of an elderly patient with hip OA complaining of knee pain. Obturator nerve block at the obturator foramen is used for adductor spasticity management in cerebral palsy and for hip surgery analgesia.
Adductor weakness and medial thigh pain from obturator nerve injury during pelvic surgery or from obturator hernia managed with conservative recovery and surgical repair for complete injuries.
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