AN15.1-5 | Front & Medial side of thigh — Summary & Reflection

REFLECT

Compare the femoral triangle and the adductor canal as two consecutive "tunnels" through which the femoral vessels travel. What are the boundaries of each? What changes in the relationships of the femoral artery and vein as they pass from the triangle into the canal? Why is this arrangement clinically significant for surgical access to these vessels?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Femoral triangle: inguinal ligament (base) / sartorius (lateral) / adductor longus (medial); contents NAVEL (Nerve–Artery–Vein–Empty–Lymphatics)
• Femoral nerve lies outside the femoral sheath; femoral artery and vein are inside
• Femoral hernia passes through the femoral canal (below and lateral to pubic tubercle); high strangulation risk
• Psoas abscess: TB of lumbar spine → tracks through psoas sheath → presents in femoral triangle (cold abscess)
• Adductor canal (Hunter's): femoral artery + vein + saphenous nerve; ends at adductor hiatus where artery becomes popliteal
• Saphenous nerve injured during GSV harvesting → medial leg/foot numbness