Obturator Nerve (Full)

nervus obturatorius

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.

Region: Thigh

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Lumbar plexus (L2, L3, L4) from the anterior divisions

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

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.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Obturator Neuropathy

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.