Inclusive Anatomy
Structure:
The adductor canal is an aponeurotic tunnel located in the middle third of the thigh.[1] It extends from the apex of the femoral triangle proximally to the adductor hiatus distally, providing a passageway for major neurovascular structures as they travel from the anterior thigh to the posterior compartment of the knee.[1]
The canal is bordered anteromedially by the sartorius muscle, laterally by the vastus medialis, and posteriorly by the adductor longus and adductor magnus muscles.[1] The roof of the canal is formed by a strong aponeurotic membrane known as the vastoadductor membrane.[1] The average length of the adductor canal ranges from approximately 8.5 to 11.5 cm.[1]
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Function:
The adductor canal transmits the femoral artery and vein, the saphenous nerve, and the nerve to the vastus medialis.[2,3] Within the canal, the femoral vessels continue their course toward the adductor hiatus, where the femoral artery becomes the popliteal artery.[1]
Compression or irritation of the saphenous nerve within the adductor canal may result in medial knee or leg pain.[4] Because of this anatomical relationship, the adductor canal is a common target for regional anesthesia, particularly for saphenous nerve blocks used in knee surgery and pain management, as these blocks can provide effective analgesia while largely preserving quadriceps muscle strength.[4]
References:
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Moore KL, Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 6th ed. International ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010.
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Amarnath C, Patel H, Raval G, Vemuri NV, Patkar D. Comprehensive Textbook of Clinical Radiology. Vol VI: Musculoskeletal System. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2023.
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Sauerland EK, Tank PW. Grant’s Dissector. 13th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00532.x
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Lennard TA. Pain Procedures in Clinical Practice. 3rd ed. Elsevier/Saunders; 2011.