Role of low-lying pubic tubercle in the development of inguinal hernia

ABSTRACT

Background: Hernia is defined as abnormal protrusion of whole or a part of a viscus through the wall that contains it. Among all external abdominal hernias, inguinal hernia is one most commonly encountered. Many factors are responsible for the formation of the inguinal hernia but, what makes a few people more susceptible to this situation is still clearly not proved. The lowness of pubic tubercle is associated with narrow origin of internal oblique muscle from lateral inguinal ligament which fails to protect the deep inguinal ring consequently lead to inguinal hernia.Methods: The study was conducted in Sardar Patel Medical College and attached hospital, Bikaner for duration of 12 months from March 2018 to February 2019. It is a case-control study with 50 cases and 50 control meeting inclusion criteria. In all patients, following parameters SS line, ST line, height, weight was recorded and evaluated.Results: The mean value of ST line in our study group is 7.37±0.182 cm which is significantly greater (p=0.0001) than the controls the mean value being 7.01±0.262 cm. In our study, 98% of cases were having ST line >7.01 cm whereas 66% of controls were ST line under 7.01 cm.Conclusions: Group of people with low lying pubic tubercle are at high risk of developing inguinal hernia.