Ortho Oracle - orthopaedic operative atlas
Home » Bones » Femur » Quadratus Femoris

Quadratus Femoris



- See: external rotators of the hip:

Origin: superior aspect of external border of the tuberosity at ischium;
Insertion: superior aspect of the linea quadrata, the line which extends downward from the intertrochanteric crest of femur;
Synergists: piriformis, obturator externus, obturator internus, gemellus superior, gemellus inferior;
Action: external rotation of the femur at the hip;
Nerve Supply: sacral plexus, L5, S1, S2; (see innervation)

- Discussion:
    - anterior to quadratus femoris, MFCA divides into ascending branch to trochanteric fossa of femur & transverse branch to hamstring 
          muscles beyond the ischial tuberosity;
    - transverse branch appears between quadratus femoris & upper border of adductor magnus
    - hence, if the muscle is ligated, these arteries may also be ligated