Sartorius

The Sartorius is a muscle of the anterior thigh.

Anatomical Attachments:

• Origin: Attaches to the anterior superior iliac spine and also to the upper 1/2 of the iliac notch.
• Insertion: Attaches to the proximal part of the medial surface of the tibia.

Action: It flexes and rotates the thigh.

Synergist:

• Prime Movers: Iliopsoas, Pectineus, Tensor fasciae latae, Adductor brevis.
• Accessory Movers: Adductor longus and magnus (anterior part), Gracilis, Gluteus minimus.

Antagonist: Gluteus maximus, Adductor magnus (posterior part).

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Nerve Supply: Femoral Nerve (L2, L3, L4).

Nerve Entrapment: Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Vascular supply: Femoral artery.

• Primary: The lancinating pain refers along the course of the muscle, on the anterior aspect of the thigh.
• Satellite or associated triggers: Rectus femoris, Vastus medialis, and thigh adductors.

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Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: Superior and inferior thigh pain, knee pain, dysesthesia or numbness of the thigh if the nerve becomes entrapped, sleeping with a pillow between the knees eases the pain.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: The Sartorius seldom experiences dysfunction by itself, and usually occurs in concert with other triggers being activated in a myotatic unit. According to Travell and Simons, triggers may become active if the Sartorius experiences strain or if there is a persistent rocking of the foot while pronated.

Differential Diagnosis: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) L2 L3 or L4 radiculopathy, Charcot’s arthropathy, Meralgia Paresthetica (Bernhardt’s Disease), Floating Patella, Knee effusion, Patella fracture, Bone Cancer, Meniscus tear, Muscle tear of the anterior thigh, ACL or PCL tear, Sprain/Strain of the thigh or knee, Osteoporosis, Fibromyalgia, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), Eosinophilic fasciitis, Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

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