Posterior branch of obturator nerve

The posterior branch of obturator nerve also originates from the obturator nerve in the obturator canal and enters the medial compartment of the thigh. This branch is involved in hip adduction, stabilization, and sensory input to the knee joint.

Course

Within the medial compartment of thigh, the posterior branch of obturator nerve lies posterior to the adductor brevis muscle and anterior to the adductor magnus, running along the latter's anterior surface.

Innervation

a) Motor

Muscular branches of the posterior branch supply the obturator externus (L3-L4), adductor brevis (L2-L3), and anterior part of the adductor magnus (L2-L4); particularly the portion attaching to the linea aspera (with dual innervation from the tibial division of the sciatic nerve).

b) Sensory

The posterior branch provides sensory articular branches to the knee joint.