Vastoadductor membrane
Membrana vastoadductoria
- Latin synonym: Septum intermusculare vastoadductorium
- Synonym: Vastoadductor intermuscular septum; Subsartorial fascia
- Related terms: Anteromedial intermuscular septum; Subsartorial fascia
Definition
The vastoadductor membrane is the distal thick pentagonal part of the fascia vasto-adductoria, which is continuous with the subsartorial fascia (anteromedial intermuscular septum) that roofs the entire length of the adductor canal*. It stretches across the vastus medialis muscle and both the adductor longus and adductor magnus muscles, overlaying the saphenous nerve and femoral vessels, among other structures.[1]
The vastoadductor membrane (VAM) originates from the tendinous fibers of the adductor magnus tendon and spreads anterolaterally. It is consistently pierced by arterial pedicles to the sartorius muscle and branches of the saphenous nerve. The vastoadductor membrane plays a role in the potential entrapment of the saphenous nerve, which can lead to medial knee or leg pain.[1-2] Additionally, the VAM is theorized to enhance the mechanical efficiency of the vastus medialis muscle, contributing to the knee extensor mechanism.[1]
*The adductor canal (subsartorial, Hunter's canal) is an aponeurotic tunnel in the middle third of the thigh, extending from the apex of the femoral triangle to the opening in the adductor magnus, the adductor hiatus.
References
1.Morphological Study and Relations of the Fascia Vasto-Adductoria.Elazab EEB.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA. 2017;39(10):1085-1095. doi:10.1007/s00276-017-1846-7.
2.Anatomy and Potential Clinical Significance of the Vastoadductor Membrane.Tubbs RS, Loukas M, Shoja MM, et al.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA. 2007;29(7):569-73. doi:10.1007/s00276-007-0230-4.