The obturator nerve (L2, L3, L4) descends through the fibers of the psoas major and emerges from its medial border. It then passes behind the common iliac vessels, on the lateral side of the ureter, and runs along the lateral wall of the lesser pelvis, above and in front of the obturator vessels.

What are the symptoms of obturator nerve damage?

Symptoms of obturator nerve damage include:

• Numbness, reduced sensation, or abnormal sensation in the skin of the inner thigh.
• Pain that may extend down the inner thigh and is worsened by walking or spreading the legs.
• Weakness in adduction of the thigh.
• Gait and posture problems linked to loss of adduction ability.

What are the signs and symptoms of obturator nerve entrapment?

What are the symptoms of obturator nerve entrapment?

• reduced range of movement.
• swelling/inflamation.
• stiffness.
• weakness.
• numbness.
• spasm.

Where is obturator located?

The obturator foramen is the large, obliquely oriented, ovoid aperture located at the anterior aspect of both sides of the pelvis, bounded by parts of the ischium and pubis.

Where does the obturator nerve split?

The nerve path continues by following along the lateral wall of the pelvis, passing through the obturator canal, to enter the medial compartment of the thigh. From here the nerve divides into the anterior and posterior branch which are separated by the adductor brevis muscle.

Obturator nerve Anatomy Animation : Origin, Course , Innervation and Clinical application

21 related questions found

Where does the obturator nerve terminate?

The obturator nerve divides into anterior and posterior divisions of the obturator nerve. These divisions both provide skeletal musculature innervation, and the anterior division terminates as the cutaneous branch of the obturator nerve.

How do you know if you have an obturator nerve?

The obturator nerve is a mixed nerve, which, in most cases, provides motor function to the adductor muscles and cutaneous sensation to a small area behind the knee. It is derived from the anterior primary rami of L2, L3, and L4 (Figure 1). On its initial course, it runs within the psoas major muscle.

What does obturator pain feel like?

The patient may describe a deep ache in the region of the adductor origin at the pubic bone that increases with exercise; the pain may radiate down the medial aspect of the thigh toward the knee. An athlete's ability to jump may be reduced. The weakness in these patients usually worsens with exercise.

What is obturator neuralgia?

Obturator neuralgia is an uncommon cause of medial thigh pain that does not extend below the knee and occurs most often after trauma. Pelvic fractures, gunshot wounds, and occasionally childbirth have been implicated in the evolution of obturator neuralgia.

How is obturator neuropathy treated?

For anterior obturator nerve entrapment, treatment may consist of electrical stimulation of the adductor and hip flexor muscles, stretching, and massage. These modalities, however, typically have not been successful in resolving this condition if it is not recognized early.

Why does my obturator hurt?

The obturator internus can become tensioned or spasmed from overworking, muscle imbalances, injuries, and postural changes. Some symptoms of obturator internus muscle tension include: Hips that feel tight and your feet always seem to be rotated out.

Can Massage Help obturator neuropathy?

Clinical relevance: The presented massage procedure is an effective therapy in obturator nerve dysfunction as complication after alloplasty and it can be one of elements of complex improvement after surgical joint procedures within the scope of nursing rehabilitation.

How do I strengthen my obturator Externus?

To perform this stretch:

1. Sit on the floor with a straight back. Extend the right leg out.
2. Position the sole of the left foot on the right thigh, as close to the pelvic region as possible.
3. Lean forward, placing the palms on the floor on either side of the right leg.
4. Hold for 30 seconds.
5. Repeat on the other side.

What is the obturator test for?

The obturator sign indicates the presence of an inflamed pelvic appendix. Evidence shows that the obturator test does not adequately diagnose appendicitis, but can be used in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to make a diagnosis. It was introduced by Zachary Cope (1881–1974), an English surgeon.

How do I heal my obturator Externus?

Pain normally disappears with rest of the joint for a couple days or weeks. Treatment of inflammation and discomfort includes the use of ice and NSAIDs, like ibuprofen. The use of corticosteroids is another form of treatment that may provide pain relief for a case of bursitis that does not clear up quickly.

What does the obturator nerve become?

Local Anatomy

The obturator nerve can become entrapped as it passes through the obturator canal. The anterior branch of the obturator nerve innervates the adductor longus, adductor brevis, and gracilis muscles, as well as giving innervation to the hip joint.

How long does an obturator nerve block last?

Step 1 - Obturator and Femoral Nerve Block:

During this procedure the nerves that are believed to be causing the pain are blocked or numbed temporarily. This is meant to determine and confirm if these nerves are responsible for the pain. This relief is only intended to last approximately 5-8 hours.

How do you stretch the obturator internus?

Obturator internus stretch: In standing, bring your left knee up on a table keeping your back leg straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in glute area. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 2x/daily.

What does a trapped nerve in the groin feel like?

Common symptoms of a pinched groin nerve include: loss of sensation in the areas supplied by the nerve is, as if it's “asleep” weakness or loss of muscle strength in the affected area, especially when you walk or use pelvic and groin muscles. pins and needles sensation (paresthesia)

What is obturator hernia?

Obturator hernia is a relatively rare type of abdominal hernia in which abdominal contents protrude through the obturator canal, a condition that can lead to small bowel obstruction. ^[1–5] This condition usually occurs in elderly, thin, emaciated patients aged 70 to 90 years.

What happens if the obturator nerve is damaged?

Obturator neuropathy is a difficult clinical problem to evaluate. One possible cause of pain is due to fascial entrapment of the nerve. Symptoms include medial thigh or groin pain, weakness with leg adduction, and sensory loss in the medial thigh of the affected side.

How do you treat an obturator internus pain?

The obturator internus tendon sheath and bursa were injected with 2.5 ml of 0.5% lidocaine combined with 10 mg of triamcinolone. The patient reported immediate complete relief of pain with continued relief at 2 and 6 months post-injection.