Morphologic and morphometric characteristics of the adductor minimus in Korean: its topographic relationship with respect to neighbouring anatomical structure and clinical significance

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify the morphologic and morphometric characteristics of the adductor minimus (AMi) and to observe its topographic relationships relative to the adjacent anatomical structures.

Materials and methods: This study investigated 54 thighs of 27 Korean cadavers.

Results: The AMi was a small and flat muscle observed in 94.4% of the specimens. It originated from the inferior ramus of the pubis as the upper part of the adductor magnus (AMa), and inserted from the lesser trochanter to the upper part of the linea aspera. The AMi was completely separate from the AMa in 63.0% of the specimens. The medial circumflex femoral artery was always found at the superior border of the AMi, while the first and second perforating arteries were found inferior to the muscle in 55.6% and 37.0% of specimens, respectively. A supernumerary muscle was found with the AMi in 42.6% of the specimens, and it originated from the inferior ramus of the pubis and inserted into the posterior side of the lesser trochanter. The obturator externus and AMi were found superoposterior and inferior to the supernumerary muscle, respectively, while the posterior branch of the obturator nerve passed underneath it.

Conclusions: The results of this study may provide physicians with the accurate anatomical knowledge that they require for managing groin pain and applying a regional nerve block with ultrasound guidance in this adductor region.