The Adductor Group: A Comprehensive Analysis of Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Clinical Relevance in Groin Pathology
The purpose of this paper is threefold: (1) to delineate the specific anatomy and innervation of each adductor muscle, (2) to analyze their biomechanical function during dynamic movement, and (3) to discuss the etiology and evidence-based management of adductor-related groin pain. The adductors are organized into three layers: superficial, middle, and deep. adductors muscle
Adductor longus, groin strain, hip biomechanics, Core stability, Hockey groin syndrome. 1. Introduction The adductor group of the proximal thigh is often overlooked in favor of larger, more superficial muscles such as the quadriceps and hamstrings. However, these five muscles (pectineus, adductor brevis, adductor longus, adductor magnus, and gracilis) serve as the primary stabilizers of the pubic symphysis and the hip joint in the frontal plane. In sports requiring rapid changes of direction (e.g., soccer, ice hockey, basketball), adductor strains account for 10-20% of all lower extremity injuries (Werner, 2019). The Adductor Group: A Comprehensive Analysis of Functional
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Innervation | Primary Action(s) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Superior pubic ramus | Pectineal line of femur | Femoral nerve (L2-L3) | Adduction, Flexion | | Adductor Longus | Pubic tubercle | Middle linea aspera | Obturator nerve (L2-L4) | Adduction, Flexion, (Weak IR) | | Adductor Brevis | Inferior pubic ramus | Proximal linea aspera | Obturator nerve (L2-L4) | Adduction, Flexion | | Adductor Magnus | Inferior pubic ramus, ischial tuberosity | Gluteal tuberosity, linea aspera, adductor tubercle | Obturator (L2-L4) & Tibial (L4-S1) | Adduction, Powerful Extension | | Gracilis | Inferior pubic ramus | Pes anserinus (medial tibia) | Obturator nerve (L2-L3) | Adduction, Knee Flexion, Hip Flexion | In sports requiring rapid changes of direction (e