What is the adductor canal and why is it important?

The adductor canal, also known as Hunter’s canal, is an intermuscular passage in the middle third of the thigh. It serves as a conduit for major neurovascular structures, such as the femoral artery and saphenous nerve, as they travel from the femoral triangle to the popliteal fossa, making it crucial for lower limb function and surgical procedures.

What are the boundaries of the adductor canal?

The adductor canal has a triangular cross-section with three main boundaries: anterolateral wall formed by vastus medialis, posterior wall (floor) by adductor longus above and adductor magnus below, and medial wall (roof) by a fibrous membrane overlapped by sartorius.

What structures pass through the adductor canal?

The adductor canal transmits key neurovascular structures, including the femoral artery and vein, saphenous nerve, nerve to vastus medialis, occasionally the obturator nerve, and the descending genicular artery.

Why is it called Hunter’s canal?

It is named Hunter’s canal after Dr. John Hunter, who pioneered a surgical technique involving ligation of the femoral artery within this canal to treat aneurysms, avoiding risks associated with the popliteal fossa.

What is the clinical significance of the adductor canal?

Clinically, the adductor canal is important for surgical procedures like femoral artery ligation to manage aneurysms. After ligation, collateral circulation around the knee helps maintain blood flow, and its anatomy reflects embryological development of the lower limb.

What is the sub-sartorial plexus?

The sub-sartorial plexus is a network of nerves located under the sartorius muscle on the roof of the adductor canal. It is formed by branches from the medial cutaneous nerve of the thigh, saphenous nerve, and anterior division of the obturator nerve.

How does the adductor canal relate to the femoral triangle and popliteal fossa?

The adductor canal connects the femoral triangle superiorly to the popliteal fossa inferiorly. It acts as a passageway for neurovascular structures, such as the femoral artery, to move between these two important anatomical regions in the thigh.

Adductor Canal (Hunter’s Canal) – Anatomy & Contents

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