Three-dimensional visualization and measurement of myopectineal orifice in non-inguinal hernia patients.

PURPOSE: The myopectineal orifice (MPO) is a weak area at lower part of the anterior abdominal wall that directly determines the mesh size required in inguinal hernia repair. However, MPO data have mainly been acquired from measurements of cadavers or anesthetized patients. Furthermore, there are very few reports on the measurement of the MPO in Chinese patients. The present study aimed to use three-dimensional visualization technology to measure the MPO in live non-anesthetized Chinese patients, and to use this information to indicate the appropriate mesh size required for inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: In this study, we used the parameters of the MPO and the pelvis that were measured in 40 patients with peripheral arterial disease of the lower limb arteries (80 inguinal regions) using Medraw software (Image Medraw Technology Co., Ltd., China). RESULTS: The result showed that the average width and height of the MPO were 5.71 ± 0.99 cm and 4.96 ± 0.69 cm, respectively (5.22 ± 0.77 cm and 5.13 ± 0.63 cm in males, and 6.20 ± 0.95 cm and 4.80 ± 0.71 cm in females). The average projected area of the MPO was 16.06 ± 4.37 cm2 on the left, and 15.61 ± 4.10 cm2 on the right (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional visualization was used to measure the area, width, and height of the MPO in living non-anesthetized Chinese patients. MPO area was correlated with age, but not with pelvic parameters.

A qualitative literature review exploring the role of the inguinal ligament in the context of inguinal disruption management.

PURPOSE: Groin injury, sportsman's groin and inguinal disruption (ID) refer to a diffuse chronic groin pain syndrome that has significant impact on athletes and is often unresponsive to conservative management. The ID aetiology is poorly understood but may involve weakness of the inguinal ligament attachments or the posterior inguinal canal wall or the tendons of adductor longus and rectus abdominis. We discuss the literature in which the inguinal ligament was directly targeted for ID management in athletic populations. Secondarily, we discuss the anatomical reclassification of the inguinal ligament to a tendon based on the above information. METHODS: This was a qualitative review of the published literature, in English, from January 2007 to February 2017. RESULTS: Five research papers, including 264 patients, were appraised. In patients with ID, tears were identified in the inguinal ligament, and to relieve pain, the surgical treatment of the ligament by tenotomy was shown to be beneficial. Techniques such as radiofrequency denervation involving the inguinal ligament and ilioinguinal nerve were also shown to relieve symptoms in athletes. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative review has specifically focused on the literature directly targeting the inguinal ligament in ID which is a relatively unexplored management approach. When treated as a tendon, the inguinal ligament appears to be an appropriate ID therapeutic target. Integrated studies and randomised clinical trials will promote a better understanding of the role of the inguinal ligament and its tendinous properties in ID and provide a foundation for evidence-based management of chronic groin pain in athletes.

The gymnasts' hip and groin: a magnetic resonance imaging study in asymptomatic elite athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Specific patterns of developmental adaptation of the proximal femur have been recognized in some sports. Gymnastics are characterized by repetitive axial loading and hip rotations in combination with extreme hip positions. It is unknown how and if these forces can affect an immature skeleton in the long term. We sought to evaluate this, by means of magnetic resonance imaging of the hip and groin of such elite asymptomatic athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a case-control comparative MR imaging study of both hips and groin of 12 (7 male, 5 female) skeletally mature young (mean age 18.6 years) asymptomatic international level gymnasts with a minimum of 10 years' training with age-matched non-athletes. At the time of recruitment, none of the athletes had a recorded musculoskeletal complaint or injury in the anatomical area around the hip. RESULTS: The study showed that elite gymnasts share four common morphological characteristics on MRI that deviate from normal and are considered to be the result of adaptational changes to the specific sport: high centre-column-diaphysis angle (coxa valga140° on average), ligamentum teres hypertrophy, friction of the iliotibial band with oedema surrounding the greater trochanter, and a high incidence (62.5 %) of radiological appearances of ischiofemoral impingement. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that elite gymnasts share four common morphological characteristics on MRI that deviate from normal. These findings were in asymptomatic subjects; hence, radiologists and sports physicians should be aware of them in order to avoid unnecessary treatment.

The distribution of lymph nodes and their nutrient vessels in the groin region: an anatomic study for design of the lymph node flap.

BACKGROUND: The groin lymph node flap transfer has been used for treatment of extremity lymphedema. The design of this flap is based on the superficial circumflex iliac artery/vein (SCIA/V), or superficial inferior epigastric artery/vein (SIEA/V). The purpose of this study is to delineate the distribution of lymph nodes in the groin area and their relationship to inguinal vessels by the use of multidirector-row CT angiography (MDCTA). METHODS: MDCTA was performed in 52 patients who underwent the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap or transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap for breast reconstruction. The MDCTA data were used to analyze the locations of lymph nodes and their adjacent vascular vessels. The groin region was divided into the superior lateral (I), superior medial (II), inferior lateral (III), and inferior medial (IV) quadrants based on the point where SCIV joined into great saphenous vein. The number of lymph nodes in each of the four quadrants was counted and the dominant vessels were observed. RESULTS: The mean number of lymph nodes in quadrants I-IV were 3.3 ± 1.6, 2.0 ± 1.2, 1.5 ± 1.3, and 1.9 ± 1.4, respectively. The difference between the four quadrants was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In quadrant I, the appearance rate of SCIA was 100% while SIEA was 6.6%. In quadrant II, no SCIA was observed but the appearance rate of SIEA was 78.0%. There were neither SCIA nor SIEA observed in quadrants III and IV. CONCLUSIONS: The superior lateral quadrant of the groin region was found to have the most lymph nodes. The superficial circumflex iliac vessels are the major sources for blood supply to this region. The findings from this study provide evidence for the clinical design of the lymph node flap from the groin area.

The use of magnetic resonance angiography in vascularized groin lymph node transfer: an anatomic study.

Vascularized groin lymph node transfer (VGLNT) has been successfully used to treat lymphedema. However, lack of familiarity with the inguinal node anatomy and concerns regarding donor site morbidity have limited its widespread use. The purpose of this study was to use magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to clarify the inguinal anatomy and provide a reliable method for identifying the location of the superficial transverse inguinal lymph nodes. In this study MRA was used to evaluate the superficial inguinal lymph nodes in 117 patients. Coordinates of lymph nodes were plotted relative to an axis from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the pubic tubercle (PT). The nodes were also plotted relative to the superficial circumflex iliac vein (SCIV) and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV). A total of 1,938 lymph nodes were identified. These lymph nodes were concentrated on one-third the distance from the PT toward the ASIS and 3 cm perpendicularly below this line. About 67% of the superficial inguinal nodes were located within the bifurcation of the SIEV and SCIV. The results from this study provide useful guidelines for locating lymph nodes targeted for VGLNT.

New Anatomical Concepts regarding Pubic-Related Groin Pain: A Dissection Study.

OBJECTIVE: Pubis-related groin pain remains a difficult topic in orthopedic and sports medicine. A better understanding of the anatomy of the adductors and the pubic ligaments is necessary. The aim of this study is to map all the musculotendinous attachments to the pubic ligaments and to investigate in detail all the possible inter-adductor fusions. METHODS: The pubic symphyses were dissected in eight male and fourteen female embalmed cadavers (mean age 85 years), focusing on the fusion between the adductors, pubic ligaments, and musculotendinous attachments at the pubic ligaments. The 95% confidence intervals for the prevalence of the different conjoint tendons and tendon attachment to ligament were calculated. RESULTS: The presence of three types of conjoint tendons was found: adductor brevis and gracilis (AB/G) 90.9 [72.2 - 97.5]%; adductor brevis and adductor longus (AB/AL) 50.0 [30.7 - 69.3]%; adductor longus and gracilis (AL/G) 50.0 [30.7 - 69.3]%. The AL, AB and G were in every cadaver attached to the anterior pubic ligament (APL). 64% of the AB and 100% of the G were attached to the inferior pubic ligament (IPL). CONCLUSION: The proximal anatomy of the adductors is more complex than initially described. This study identified three possible conjoint tendons between the proximal adductors. The AB/G conjoint tendon was significantly more present than the AB/AL or AL/G conjoint tendon. The IPL has attachments only from the AB and G. Rectus Abdominis (RA) and AL were not attached to IPL. Mapping the musculotendinous attachments on the pubic ligaments creates more clarity on the pathophysiology of lesions in this area.

Quantitative assessment of the ischiofemoral space and evidence of degenerative changes in the quadratus femoris muscle.

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the quadratus femoris (QF) muscle have only recently appeared in the medical literature with the increasing use of advanced imaging in assessing musculoskeletal complaints in the gluteal region. Both strains of the QF muscle and impingement of the QF muscle within the ischiofemoral (IF) space can appear similar on imaging, and normative data of the IF space is important in establishing guidelines for defining these conditions. PURPOSE: One purpose of this study was to quantitatively describe the IF and QF spaces. The second goal of this paper was to describe gross abnormalities seen in the QF muscle, and determine if the appearance of the muscle is associated with pelvimetric measurements. METHODS: Quantitative measurements were taken of the IF and QF spaces on 16 cadavers (29 hips). The QF muscle was then examined and assigned a quantitative grade. RESULTS: The mean IF space was 23.5 ± 4.7 mm and QF space was 20.4 ± 5.6 mm. Abnormalities of the QF muscle were observed in 51.7 % of the hips, and were associated with a greater approximation when moving the hip from neutral to maximally extended-adducted. CONCLUSION: While degenerative changes were present in the majority of QF muscles, these changes were not associated with the size of the IF or QF space. However, there was a significant association between the degree of degenerative change observed and (1) an increased approximation of the QF attachments sites; and (2) a narrower intertuberous diameter.

Anatomic variability of groin innervation.

Inguinal hernia repairs are very common yet fairly complex surgical procedures.Variations in the anatomical course of the inguinal nerves require that diligence is taken in their proper recognition. Inadvertent surgical injury to these nerves is associated with long term postoperative pain and complications. The aim of the present study was to highlight the complexity and variation in the innervation of the inguinal region in order to increase proper nerve identification during surgical interventions. Bilateral dissection of the inguinal and posterior abdominal regions in one human male cadaver revealed an atypical anatomic topography of the groin innervation. This unusual case was observed at the Jagiellonian University Anatomy Department during routine cadaveric preparations. The left ilioinguinal nerve was absent. The left genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve arose higher than expected from the lumbar plexus and supplied the groin region, which is typically innervated by the ilioinguinal nerve. Furthermore, the left lateral cutaneous femoral nerve and the right genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve also followed uncharacteristic courses. Awareness of topographical nerve variations during inguinal hernia repair will help surgeons identify and preserve important nerves, thus decreasing the incidence of chronic postoperative pain.

[Radical operations of inguinal hernias with the temporary translocation of inguinal nerves].

This article presents the results of anatomic researches of the innervations of the inguinal area, performed for studying an arrangement of the main nerves of the inguinal area in relation to the operation access and the area of plasty of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. The method of temporary translocation of inguinal nerves is developed for their preservation at radical operations of inguinal hernias. Long-term experience of surgical treatment of inguinal hernias with the temporary translocation of inguinal nerves is summarized.

Repeated in vivo inguinal measurements to estimate a single optimal mesh size for inguinal herniorrhaphy.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia is a common condition and its repair (herniorrhaphy) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in general surgery. The Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy technique is a widely used and effective surgery that uses mesh to reinforce the area of weakness. Although a wide range of mesh sizes are available for use in hernia repair, in low-resource health care settings the provision of multiple products may not be supportable and it may be necessary for the provision and use of a single mesh size. This study aimed to determine whether the recommended 7.0 cm x 15.0 cm size is an appropriate single mesh size. METHODS: In order to determine the optimal mesh size according to recommended surgical practices, in vivo measurements of key dimensions of the inguinal floor were taken in patients undergoing herniorrhaphy. RESULTS: Measurements were taken in 43 patients: 40 men and 3 women, mean age 43 years (SD 13.6); 39 with indirect hernias, 4 with direct. Allowing for recommended mesh overlaps, the optimal mesh size for provision to be appropriate for the majority of patients was determined to be 8.5 cm x 14.0 cm, 21% wider than the mesh size currently recommended for use in Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy. CONCLUSIONS: An appropriate size for routine provision in low-resource settings, or other settings where the provision of several mesh sizes is not supportable, may be 8.5 cm x 14.0 cm.

Groin pain beyond the hip: how anatomy predisposes to injury as visualized by musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to show ultrasound and MRI examples of the normal anatomic structures and their resulting modifications from trauma and disease. CONCLUSION: Although groin pain from hip pathology is well recognized, lower anterior abdominal wall and anterior pelvis structures can be interrelated sources of pain.

Ultrasound evaluation of the anatomy of the vessels in relation to the femoral nerve at the femoral crease.

PURPOSE: We conducted this prospective, observational study using ultrasound to describe the neuro-vascular relationships at the femoral crease. In particular, we sought to identify and describe the incidence of vascular structures lying lateral to the femoral artery at this level, and the frequency with which needle insertion would require adjustment to avoid contact with these vessels during femoral nerve blockade (FNB). METHODS: Twenty-five patients undergoing surgery on the knee for femoral nerve block were scanned with ultrasound in the femoral triangle region to evaluate the anatomy of the vessels in this region. Specifically, the position and course of the profunda femoral and lateral circumflex arteries, and their relationship to the site of typical FNB, were described. Depth and dimensions of the vessels and nerves were recorded. The patients' body mass indices and the depth of the femoral nerve were evaluated for correlation. RESULTS: In 52% of the cases, the profunda femoral artery coursed lateral to the femoral artery, while in the others, it remained deep to the femoral artery. The profunda femoral artery emerged from the femoral artery above the femoral crease in 12% of the cases, and below it in the remainder, while the lateral circumflex femoral artery emerged above the crease in 8% of the patients. The site of needle insertion for FNB was adjusted to avoid vessels lateral to the femoral artery in 12% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound scanning at the femoral crease in preparation for FNB reveals branches lying lateral to the main femoral artery in a significant proportion of patients, presenting a significant risk of needle contact with one of these vessels. The use of ultrasound likely reduces the risk of vascular trauma in this setting.

Study of lymph node vascular relationships of the inferior epigastric veins: The solve anatomical study.

INTRODUCTION: Tissue surrounding the superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) can be harvested for vascularised lymph node transfer (vLNT) for the treatment of lymphoedema. The aim of this study is to define the anatomical relationship of lymph nodes surrounding the SIEV. METHODS: Twenty-five fresh-frozen cadaveric groin specimens were harvested en bloc to the level of the deep fascia along the following anatomical boundaries, yielding quadrilateral tissue blocks: pubic tubercle (medial), anterior superior iliac spine (lateral), 5 cm superior and inferior to the inguinal ligament. The SIEV was marked at its entry point with the femoral vein. Specimens were oriented, secured and fixed in formaldehyde and analysed using longitudinal slices at 3 mm intervals. RESULTS: A total of 86 lymph nodes were identified. The average position of lymph nodes examined was 0.4 cm medial and 3.2 cm inferior to the mid-inguinal point. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An improved understanding of the anatomical locations of lymph nodes surrounding the SIEV will allow a more purposeful harvest during vLNT, allowing a greater number of lymph nodes to be captured whilst limiting donor site morbidity.

The anatomy of the pubic region revisited: implications for the pathogenesis and clinical management of chronic groin pain in athletes.

Chronic groin pain is a common complaint for athletes participating in sports that involve repetitive sprinting, kicking or twisting movements, such as Australian Rules football, soccer and ice hockey. It is frequently a multifactorial condition that presents a considerable challenge for the treating sports medicine practitioner. To better understand the pathogenesis of chronic groin pain in athletes, a precise anatomical knowledge of the pubic symphysis and surrounding soft tissues is required. Several alternative descriptions of pubic region structures have been proposed. Traditionally, chronic groin pain in athletes has been described in terms of discrete pathology requiring specific intervention. While this clinical reasoning may apply in some cases, a review of anatomical findings indicates the possibility of multiple pathologies coexisting in athletes with chronic groin pain. An appreciation of these alternative descriptions may assist sports medicine practitioners with diagnostic and clinical decision-making processes. The purpose of this literature review is to reappraise the anatomy of the pubic region, considering findings from cadaveric dissection and histology studies, as well as those from diagnostic imaging studies in athletes.

The groin triangle: a patho-anatomical approach to the diagnosis of chronic groin pain in athletes.

Chronic groin pain is a common presentation in sports medicine. It is most often a problem in those sports that involve kicking and twisting movements while running. The morbidity of groin pain should not be underestimated, ranking behind only fracture and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of time out of training and play. Due to the insidious onset and course of pathology in the groin region it commonly presents with well-established pathology. Without a clear clinical/pathological diagnosis, the subsequent management of chronic groin pain is difficult. The combination of complex anatomy, variability of presentation and the non-specific nature of the signs and symptoms make the diagnostic process problematical. This paper proposes a novel educational model based on patho-anatomical concepts. Anatomical reference points were selected to form a triangle, which provides the discriminative power to restrict the differential diagnosis and form the basis of ensuing investigation. This paper forms part of a series addressing the three-dimensional nature of proximal lower limb pathology. The 3G approach (groin, gluteal and greater trochanter triangles) acknowledges this, permitting the clinician to move throughout the region, considering pathologies appropriately.

Is it possible to identify the inguinal nerves during hernioplasty? A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of cadaveric and surgical studies.

PURPOSE: Patients who undergo inguinal hernioplasty may suffer from persistent postoperative pain due to inguinal nerve injuries. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide comprehensive data on the prevalence (identification rates), anatomical characteristics, and ethnic variations of the ilioinguinal (IIN), the iliohypogastric (IHN) and the genital branch of the genitofemoral (GNF) nerves. METHODS: The systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. RESULTS: A total of 26 articles (5265 half-body examinations) were included in this study. The identification rate of the IIN was 94.4% (95% CI 89.5-97.9) using a random-effects model. Unweighted multiple regression analysis showed that study sample size (ß = - 0.74, p = .036) was the only statistically significant predictor of lower prevalence. The identification rates of the IHN and GNF was 86.7% (95% CI 78.3%-93.3%) and 69.1% (95% CI 53.1%-83.0%) using a random-effects model, respectively. For those outcomes, a visual analysis of funnel and Doi plots indicated irregularity and provided evidence that larger studies tended to have lower identification rates. In terms of the synthesis of anatomical reference points, there was a large and statistically significant amount of heterogeneity for most outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The identification rates of the inguinal nerves in our study were lower than reported in literature. The lowest was found for GNF, suggesting that this nerve was the most difficult to identify. Knowledge regarding the anatomy of the inguinal nerves can facilitate their proper identification and reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury and postoperative pain.

Imaging review of groin pain in elite athletes: an anatomic approach to imaging findings.

OBJECTIVE: Groin pain in elite athletes is a common yet challenging diagnostic and management dilemma for the sports clinician, accounting for a significant proportion of athletic injuries. It is often debilitating and, if severe enough, may compromise an athlete's career. Traditionally, groin pain has been poorly understood by radiologists. CONCLUSION: A major reason groin pain has been misunderstood is the complexity of the anatomy of this region, which this article discusses in detail in an effort to inform the reader.