The obturator fascia covers the pelvic surface of obturator internus on the side wall of the pelvis. A thickened line in it, the tendinous arch of levator ani, gives origin to part of the pelvic floor. Below this line it forms the lateral wall of the ischioanal fossa and splits to create the pudendal canal.
| Location | On the inner side wall of the lesser pelvis, over obturator internus. |
|---|---|
| Boundaries |
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Covers obturator internus, provides origin for levator ani and forms the pudendal canal.
Because the pudendal canal is formed within this fascia, the pudendal nerve can be entrapped here, causing perineal pain, especially in cyclists. In pelvic floor repairs surgeons anchor sutures to the tendinous arch. Infection of the ischioanal fossa is bounded laterally by the obturator fascia.
Compression of the pudendal nerve within the canal formed by the obturator fascia, causing burning perineal pain that is worse when sitting.
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