The Cutaneous Branch of the Obturator Nerve: Common Finding or a Rarity Worthy of Note

According to textbook descriptions, branches of the femoral and obturator nerves provide the sensory innervation to the medial side of the thigh. However, as the exact prevalence of the obturator nerve's cutaneous branch is unknown, an anatomic study was conducted to reveal its role in providing cutaneous innervation to the medial thigh. Twenty-five formalin-fixed lower extremities were dissected with special attention to the nerves supplying the skin on the thigh's medial side. This study set out to determine the prevalence of the obturator nerve's cutaneous branch and its contribution to the sensory innervation of the medial thigh. The obturator nerve's cutaneous branch was observed in 24% of all cases (n = 6/25). Anastomoses between the obturator and femoral nerves were recorded in 12% of all cases. In 20% of all cases, the obturator nerve's anterior branch supplied the skin of the thigh's middle third, either by being the sole nerve supplying the skin or by forming anastomoses with femoral branches. While textbooks of anatomy have constantly created the impression that the obturator nerve plays a pivotal role in supplying the skin on the medial side of the thigh, this study supports the conclusion that, due to its inconsistent prevalence, the obturator nerve's cutaneous distribution plays a subordinate role in the sensory innervation of the thigh. We believe that our results provide refined anatomical insight that may help improve surgical approaches, diagnostic accuracy, and nerve repair strategies involving the medial thigh.