Hernia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hernia, including details on hiatal, inguinal, umbilical, abdominal, treatment.

Anthropometric characteristics of the pubic arch and proper function of the defense mechanisms against hernia formation.

López-Cano M, Munhequete EG, Hermosilla-Pérez E, Armengol-Carrasco M, Rodríguez-Baeza A

Department of General Surgery, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain. manulopez@vhebron.net

In 33 inguinal regions, we determined the anthropometric characteristics of the pubic arch and the anatomic structures of the suprainguinal space and assessed whether there is a relationship between anatomic features and function of the defense mechanisms. There was a low position of the pubic arch (pubic tubercle and interspinal line distance >75 mm) in 23 cases. The low-pubic-arch group showed a significantly longer inguinal ligament and a greater angle made by the superior border of the suprainguinal space and the inguinal ligament at its medial insertion. The position of the pubic arch correlated significantly with the diameter of the internal ring, the length of the inguinal ligament, and the angle made by the superior border of the suprainguinal space and the medial insertion of the inguinal ligament. A low pubic arch would represent an unfavorable condition for an adequate function of the anatomic defense mechanism against hernia.

Published 11 March 2005 in Hernia, 9(1): 56-61.
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