Obturator Nerve
The obturator nerve is supplied by L2-L4 nerve roots and innervates the medial thigh and hip joint. The motor portion innervates a portion of the adductors while the sensory supplies the medial thigh. Because if its deeper location, it is more difficult to assess and diagnose. The most common site for entrapment is in the obturator canal due to fascial band or in the pelvis due to reasons found below.
Signs & Symptoms
- Pain localized to medial thigh radiating to groin or knee
- Pain exacerbated with activity
- Adductor weakness
- Paresthesia over medial aspect of distal thigh
- Loss of adductor tendon reflex with preservation of other LE reflexes
- Positive EMG and nerve conduction tests
Contributing Factors
- Inflammation of adductor muscles
- Hematoma
- Obturator hernia
- Traumatic fracture
- Retroperitoneal masses
- Intrapelvic tumors
- Complications of gynecologic or orthopedic surgery
Treatment Options
- Anti-inflammatories
- Physical therapy including stretching, deep tissue massage, ultrasound
- Surgical release of anterior division through obturator canal