Anatomy and pathology of adductor canal (Hunter's canal)

Skeletal Radiol. 2024 Oct 13. doi: 10.1007/s00256-024-04814-0. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Adductor canal (Hunter's canal) pathologies are often underdiagnosed, with the saphenous nerve being the most commonly affected. While uncommon, involvement of the femoral artery and vein can cause severe and irreversible complications if not detected early. Significant attention must be given to adductor canal pathologies because the musculoaponeurotic tunnel is predominantly fibrotic with minimal adipose tissue. As a result, any edema or space-occupying lesion can lead to early compression of the structures within the adductor canal. Incorporating adductor canal syndrome into the imaging differential diagnosis is essential. For diagnosing and sometimes managing these conditions. In this article, we describe the anatomy and spectrum of pathologies involving the Hunter's canal.

Keywords: Adductor; Compression; Hunter’s canal; MRI; Saphenous nerve; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review