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Pectineus Tendon

tendo musculi pectinei

The pectineus tendon originates from the pectineal line (pecten pubis) and the pectineal fascia before the muscle inserts via a short tendon on the pectineal line of the femur, running from the lesser trochanter to the linea aspera. It is the most anterior of the adductor muscles at the hip and serves as an important anatomical landmark at the medial margin of the femoral triangle.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The pectineus tendon and muscle belly form the medial floor of the femoral triangle, adjacent to the femoral vessels and nerve. It is an important dissection landmark during femoral hernia repair, hip arthroplasty, and iliopsoas tendon release procedures. Pectineus tendinopathy is an uncommon cause of anterior hip and groin pain, and the muscle can be injured in forced hip abduction. Pectineus impingement syndrome involves compression between the lesser trochanter and iliopectineal eminence.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Pectineus Tendinopathy

Anterior groin pain localised to the pectineal line and aggravated by resisted hip flexion and adduction, occurring in athletes performing repetitive hip loading; managed conservatively with activity modification and progressive strengthening.

Pectineus Strain

Acute groin pain from forced hip abduction or extension causes partial pectineus tears producing anteromedial hip pain, ecchymosis, and pain with hip extension and abduction; MRI confirms the diagnosis.