Anatomy of Obturator Externus

Anatomy of Obturator Externus
• The Obturator Externus is one of the six short external rotators of the hip
• Origin: It arises from the Obturator foramen and the Obturator membrane.
• Insertion: It inserts into the trochanteric fossa of the femur.
• Action: it laterally rotates and adducts the thigh
• Innervation: The Obturator externus muscle is innervated by the posterior division of the Obturator nerve.

There are six short external rotators of the hip
1. Piriformis Muscle
2. Superior Gemellus Muscle
3. Obturator Internus Muscle
4. Inferior Gamellus Muscle
5. Obturator Externus Muscle
6. Quadratus Femoris Muscle

These short external rotators of the hip protect the sciatic nerve which is situated behind these muscles.

Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA