Question

A patient presents with a swelling in the groin region and it is diagnosed as a direct inguinal hernia. Weakness in which of the following structures is most likely to cause this condition?

• A. Pectineal ligament
• B. Conjoint tendon
• C. Reflected part of inguinal ligament
• D. Lacunar ligament

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The direct inguinal hernia is a type of hernia that occurs in the groin region when abdominal contents protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, specifically within the boundaries of the Hesselbach's triangle. This triangle is bounded by:

• The lateral border: inferior epigastric vessels
• The medial border: rectus abdominis muscle
• The inferior border: inguinal ligament

Direct inguinal hernias arise due to a weakness in the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. The conjoint tendon, also known as the inguinal falx, represents a crucial structure in this region. It is formed by the fusion of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique aponeuroses and is attached to the pubic crest. A weakness or deficiency in the conjoint tendon leads to the formation of a direct hernia. Therefore, the correct answer regarding the specific weakness causing this condition is:

Conjoint tendon