The adductor canal (also called Hunter's canal or subsartorial canal) is a narrow, intermuscular passage in the middle third of the thigh that allows neurovascular structures to pass from the femoral triangle to the popliteal fossa.
Boundaries
• Anterior: Sartorius muscle
• Lateral: Vastus medialis muscle
• Posteromedial: Adductor longus and adductor magnus muscles
Contents
• Femoral artery (which continues as the popliteal artery after passing through the adductor hiatus)
• Femoral vein
• Saphenous nerve (a sensory branch of the femoral nerve)
• Nerve to vastus medialis (a motor branch of the femoral nerve)
Clinical importance
• The saphenous nerve exits before the adductor hiatus and does not enter the popliteal fossa.
• Adductor canal block is used for post-operative pain relief in knee surgeries.
• Compression of the femoral artery in this canal can affect lower limb circulation.