Anatomic Localization of Motor Points of Hip Adductors

Abstract

To identify the precise location of the motor points of hip adductors in relation to bony landmarks. Nineteen limbs from ten adult cadavers were anatomically dissected. The motor point of each adductor muscle was determined by measuring its distance from the pubic tubercle with reference to a line joining the pubic tubercle and the medial epicondyle of the femur, and this distance was expressed as a percentage. For describing the mediolateral relationship between the motor point of each adductor and bony landmarks, its distance from the pubic tubercle was measured with reference to a line joining the pubic tubercle and the greater trochanter of the femur, and the result was expressed as a percentage. The percent distances along the longitudinal reference line distal to the pubic tubercle were as follows: adductor longus, 26.0% +/- 4.8%; adductor brevis, 21.0% +/- 4.8%; gracilis, 32.1% +/- 2.1%; and adductor magnus, 30.4% +/- 4.1%. Further, the percent distances along the horizontal reference line lateral to the pubic tubercle were as follows: adductor longus, 24.9% +/- 7.8%; adductor brevis, 24.9% +/- 7.4%; and adductor magnus, 33.6% +/- 5.9%. Identification of these motor points facilitates the efficacy and efficiency of a neural blockade and decreases undesirable complications.