Hip Adductor Longus Tendon Origin Anatomy Is Consistent and May Inform Surgical Reattachment

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Adductor longus tendon injuries often require surgical repair.
• Accurate identification of the adductor longus tendon footprint is crucial for successful surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely define the topographic anatomy of the adductor longus tendon origin on the pubis.
• To characterize the underlying bony morphology relevant to surgical repair.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of five cadaveric pelvis specimens (10 adductor footprints).
• Radiopaque marker application to the tendon footprint.
• 1.0-mm slice computed tomographic (CT) scans with 3D reconstructions.
• Measurement of footprint dimensions and underlying bone morphology using specialized software.

Main Results:

• Average adductor longus tendon footprint dimensions: 12.0 mm (width) x 10.9 mm (length).
• Footprint center located 8.5 mm lateral and 12.2 mm caudal to the pubic tubercle.
• Osseous thickness underlying the footprint averaged 18.7 mm at a 34.5° angle.
• Strong positive correlation (r=0.92) between specimen body weight and underlying bone thickness.

Conclusions:

• A consistent angle exists between the adductor longus tendon footprint center and maximal underlying bone thickness.
• A positive correlation between body mass index and osseous thickness may inform anatomic tendon reattachment.
• Findings assist surgeons in accurate identification and safe anatomic repair of adductor longus tendon avulsions.