The obturator nerve, a critical component of the lumbar plexus, plays a significant role in innervating the medial thigh muscles and providing sensation to the inner thigh. Originating from the L2-L4 spinal nerves, it descends through the psoas major muscle, passes through the obturator foramen, and then divides into anterior and posterior branches. Understanding its anatomy is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like obturator neuropathy, often presenting with pain or weakness in the adductor muscles.
In medical ultrasound, precise identification of the obturator nerve is essential for nerve blocks, pain management, and surgical procedures in the groin and thigh. High-resolution ultrasound allows clinicians to visualize the nerve’s course, assess for pathology, and guide needle placement for accurate anesthetic delivery or diagnostic imaging. This precision enhances patient safety and procedural efficacy in various clinical applications, including regional anesthesia and interventional pain.
