Download PDF
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Radiol Imaging 2013; 23(04): 391-395
DOI: 10.4103/0971-3026.125586
Abdominal Radiology

The inguinal and femoral canals: A practical step-by-step approach to accurate sonographic assessment

Philip Yoong
Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UY, UK
,
Stephen Duffy
Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UY, UK
,
Thomas J Marshall
Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UY, UK
› Author Affiliations Financial support and sponsorship Nil.
› Further Information
  PDF Download Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Ultrasonography (USG) is an accepted and reliable tool for the assessment of groin hernias.However, USG of the groin is operator dependent and challenging. The anatomy of this region is complex and the normal sonographic findings can be difficult to interpret. We describe the relevant normal anatomy of the groin relating to inguinal and femoral hernias, and describe a straightforward, reliable technique for identifying and assessing the integrity of the inguinal and femoral canals. The inferior epigastric vessels are a critical landmark for assessment of the inguinal canal and deep inguinal ring.

Keywords

Inguinal - echnique - ultrasound


Publication History

Article published online:
30 July 2021

© 2013. Indian Radiological Association. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.
A-12, Second Floor, Sector -2, NOIDA -201301, India

 

  • References

  • 1 Dabbas N, Adams K, Pearson K, Royle G. Frequency of abdominal wall hernias: Is classical teaching out of date? JRSM Short Rep 2011;2:5.
  • 2 Rai S, Chandra SS, Smile SR. A study of the risk of strangulation and obstruction in groin hernias. Aust N Z J Surg 1998;68:650-4.
  • 3 Bradley M, Morgan D, Pentlow B, Roe A. The groin hernia-an ultrasound diagnosis? Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2003;85:178-80.
  • 4 Sinnatamby CS. Last′s anatomy: Regional and applied. 12 th ed. Edinburgh, New York: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier; 2011.
  • 5 Robinson P, Hensor E, Lansdown MJ, Ambrose NS, Chapman AH. Inguinofemoral hernia: Accuracy of sonography in patients with indeterminate clinical features. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2006;187:1168-78.