Musculus sartorius
The sartorius is a long, strap-like muscle on the medial thigh. It originates from the iliac fascia and tendon of the psoas minor and inserts on the medial patellar ligament and tibial crest. Its actions are to flex the hip and adduct the hindlimb. It is innervated by the saphenous nerve (from the femoral nerve, roughly L4-L5). It runs from the ilium to the medial stifle region.
Origin: Iliac fascia and tendon of the psoas minor
Insertion: Medial patellar ligament and tibial crest
Action: Flexes the hip; adducts the hindlimb
Innervation: Saphenous nerve (from femoral nerve, L4-L5)
Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant in evaluations of medial thigh trauma or hip flexor function.
## Overview Medial thigh strain is injury to the adductor muscles on the inner thigh. It occurs from excessive abduction during a slip or wide stance. Signs include a shortened hind-limb stride, relu
Sudden medial thigh swelling or reduced hip flexion after trauma should be evaluated.
## Overview Medial thigh strain is injury to the adductor muscles on the inner thigh. It occurs from excessive abduction during a slip or wide stance. Signs include a shortened hind-limb stride, reluctance to bring the limb under the body, pain on palpation of the inner thigh, and a base-wide stance. ## Causes Acute overload from slipping or splaying. ## Diagnosis Palpation and ultrasound of the adductor muscles. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatories, and gradual rehabilitation. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for most strains. ## Prevention Safe footing. Signs include: shortened hind-limb stride; reluctance to adduct the limb; pain on inner-thigh palpation; base-wide stance
Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant in evaluations of medial thigh trauma or hip flexor function.
Sudden medial thigh swelling or reduced hip flexion after trauma should be evaluated.
See the Sartorius on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model