Anterior Compartment of the Thigh

compartimentum femoris anterius

The anterior compartment of the thigh is the large extensor compartment in front of the femur, bounded by the lateral and medial intermuscular septa. It contains quadriceps femoris, sartorius and the lower part of iliopsoas, supplied by the femoral nerve, and the femoral vessels pass through it in the femoral triangle and adductor canal.

Anatomical Data

Boundaries & Contents

Location	Front of the thigh.
Boundaries	Fascia lata anteriorly and laterally Lateral intermuscular septum Medial intermuscular septum Femur
Contents	Rectus femoris Vastus lateralis, medialis and intermedius Sartorius Iliopsoas (distal part) Articularis genus Femoral nerve Femoral artery and vein

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Holds the knee extensors and hip flexors of the front of the thigh.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Thigh compartment syndrome is uncommon because the compartments are large and the fascia somewhat yielding, but it occurs after femoral fractures, crush injury, vascular repair and severe quadriceps contusions in contact sports. Treatment is fasciotomy through a lateral incision, which also reaches the posterior compartment.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Thigh Compartment Syndrome

Raised pressure in the anterior thigh after major trauma or bleeding, causing tense swelling and pain on passive knee flexion.

Quadriceps Contusion

A direct blow to the front of the thigh causing bleeding within the compartment, which can lead to myositis ossificans if severe.

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