The adductor longus muscle is one of the adductor muscles of
the hip located within the thigh. There are six adductor muscles for the hip
and here is a diagram showing the arrangement of these adductor muscles. The
adductor longus muscle arises from the anterior surface of the superior pubic
ramus, just lateral to pubic symphysis. It is inserted into the middle third of
the medial lip of the linea aspera on the posterior surface of the shaft of the
femur. The adductor longus muscle is innervated by the obturator nerve which
arises from the L2, L3, and L4 ventral rami of the lumbar plexus. Outside the
obturator foramen in the proximal part of the thigh, the obturator nerve
divides into anterior and posterior divisions. It is the anterior division of
the obturator nerve which supplies the adductor longus muscle. The adductor
longus muscle adducts and flexes the thigh, and helps to laterally rotate the
hip joint. Adductor strains may occur in hockey players or soccer players. It
is sometimes called a “pulled groin.” Adductor strains usually involve the
adductor muscles, especially the adductor longus muscle. It occurs due to
eccentric contraction of the muscle. The injury occurs due to external rotation
of an abducted leg. The patient will have groining pain and pain at the site of
the injury, usually near the pubic ramus. The patient will also have weak
adduction. It may be difficult to differentiate an adductor strain from a sport
hernia. X-rays are usually normal. MRI will show avulsion of the adductor
muscles from the pubic ramus. Adductor strain treatment includes: ice, rest,
protected weight bearing, and patient will go through a rehabilitation program.
Surgery is rarely done and the role of surgery is not well defined.
