Obturator nerve (L2–L4)
Nerves · L2 L3 L4
Formed from the anterior divisions of L2–L4 within psoas, it emerges from the MEDIAL border of psoas at the pelvic brim, runs along the lateral pelvic wall below the internal iliac vessels and leaves through the obturator canal, dividing into anterior and posterior branches around adductor brevis.
Traced from the start
- L2 anterior ramusL3 anterior ramusL4 anterior ramus
- Lumbar plexus anterior divisions (L2–L4)
- Obturator nerve (L2–L4)
Detail
- Motor
- Adductor longus, adductor brevis, gracilis, adductor part of adductor magnus, obturator externus
- Sensory
- Middle part of the medial thigh; articular twigs to the hip and knee (hip pain referred to the knee)
When it goes wrong
Obturator hernia in a thin, elderly, multiparous woman; pelvic malignancy; damage at pelvic lymphadenectomy or hip surgery
Howship–Romberg sign: medial thigh pain to the knee provoked by hip extension, adduction and medial rotation; weak adduction (leg swings laterally when walking) and numb medial thigh
Practise this structure
1 question in the bank tagged Surgical Nerve Injury.