Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Inguinal (Crural, Pouparts) Ligament

Gabrielle Falloppio first discovered the inguinal ligament (or Poupart ligament) in 1562, which was further described by Francois Poupart, the famous French anatomist. The ‘tendinous’ anatomy of the inguinal ligament, stretching from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the pubic tubercle (PT) with its grooved superior surface, was later discussed in detail by Cunningham. It forms by the folding of the inferior extent of the external oblique aponeurosis. The importance of the inguinal ligament in surgery stems from the fact that it is an important landmark and integral component of groin hernia repair and inguinal disruption (sportsman groin). Among the most commonly performed surgeries in the world is inguinal hernia repair, done on more than 20 million people per annum. The lifetime occurrence of groin hernia which includes visceral or adipose tissue protrusions through the inguinal or femoral canal is 27 to 43% in men and 3 to 6% in women. Inguinal hernias are almost always symptomatic, and surgery being the only cure. Acquiring detailed knowledge of inguinal anatomy is essential for surgeons operating on groin hernias.