The Common Vein
Copyright 2010
Definition
The adductor brevis of the musculoskeletal system is characterized by being located in between the anterior and posterior divisions of the obturator nerve.
It is part of the medial compartment of the thigh and consists of skeletal muscle fibers
Its unique structural features include its short and triangular shape. It lies beneath the pectineus and adductor longus muscles. The muscle shape widens as it extends from the inferior ramus of the pubis towards the femur. The anterior and the posterior divisions of the obturator nerve lie anterior and posterior to the muscle.
The origin is the body of the pubis and the inferior ramus and the insertion is the proximal linea aspera, pectineal line, and the lesser trochanter on the femur.
The blood supply is from the obturator artery and venous drainage is from the accompanying vein.
The innervation is from the anterior division of the obturator nerve.
The adductor brevis muscle as well as all other bones, muscles, and ligaments of the body are derived of mesodermal origin in embryo.
The function of the adductor brevis is to adduct the thigh at the hip. It also laterally rotates as it adducts. The adductor brevis also provides some assistance to the primary hip flexors for hip flexion. The adductor brevis works synergistically with the gracilis, adductor magnus, pectineus, and the adductor longus. The adductors function as a group to help pull the leg towards the midline at the hip. Activities such as riding a horse or kicking with the inside part of the foot in soccer rely heavily on the adductors. Adductor flexibility is important for being able to do splits.
Common diseases of the adductors include muscle strain referred to colloquially as a “groin pull”. In cerebral palsy, the adductors can be contracted.
Commonly used diagnostic procedures include clinical history, physical exam, and MRI .
It is usually treated with rest, NSAIDs, and physical therapy. For cerebral palsy, an adductor release can be performed to treat the contracture if medical management and physical therapy fail.
References
Lieberman J (ed), AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.
Moore K, Dalley A (eds), Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.
Wheeless’ Textbook of Orthopaedics: Adductor Brevis (http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/adductor_brevis)