Musculotendinous Slip of Adductor Magnus with Femoral Artery Variation: A Case Report

The adductor canal and adductor hiatus are clinically important due to their narrow anatomical configuration. The present case report (a 65-year-old male cadaver) describes a variation in the left lower limb in which the medial circumflex femoral artery arose from the left femoral artery, and a musculotendinous band was present at the popliteal opening of the adductor hiatus, effectively dividing it into two compartments. The femoral artery passed deep to this band, while the popliteal vein remained superficial. The band originated from the linea aspera and inserted into the hamstring part of the adductor magnus. An indentation produced by the band was visible on the popliteal artery, which also demonstrated a reduced diameter at the level of compression compared to measurements taken proximal and distal to the band. Additionally, dilation of the artery was observed distal to the band. Such fibrous bands may develop due to repetitive physical activity, leading to increased stress around the vessels. Recognition of these bands is crucial for distinguishing mechanical vascular compression from traumatic vessel occlusion, atherosclerotic obstruction, and neuromuscular impairments. Awareness of these anatomical variations can also aid surgeons and physiotherapists during lower limb interventions.