Cadaveric Exploration of the Anatomical Position of the Adductor Canal

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to precisely identify the location of the adductor canal to assist knee surgeons during procedures.

Materials and Methods. We utilized twenty formalin-fixed cadavers to measure the length of the lower limb from the mid- inguinal point (MIP) to the base of the patella and divided the measured length into three parts: the proximal, middle, and distal. After dissecting the adductor canal, we measured the distance between the MIP and the proximal foramen and the distal fora men (adductor hiatus), the distance between the distal foramen and the base of the patella, and the length of the adductor canal. We also measured the location of the proximal and distal foramina concerning the upper and lower limits of the middle third of the thigh. 

Results. The mean lengths of the thigh and adductor canal were 39.59±3.6 cm and 15.24±2.26 cm, respectively. The average distances between the MIP and the proximal and distal foramina and between the distal foramen and the base of the patella were 14.39±1.98 cm, 29.56±2.22 cm, and 10.28±1.87 cm, respectively. In 75% of lower limbs, the proximal foramen was below the upper limit of the mid-third of the thigh, with an average distance of 1.74 cm, whereas in 85% of cases, the distal foramen was below the lower limit of the mid-third of the thigh, with an average distance of 3.3 cm. 

Conclusion. This study suggests that the ideal adductor canal block approach is within the middle third of the thigh.