The inguinal ligament, also known as the crural or femoral arch, is a ligament located in the pelvis and partly forming the inguinal canal and the femoral triangle.

Position. The inguinal ligament is stretched between two ends of the hip or iliac bone. It starts from the anterosuperior iliac spine, a bony protrusion located in front, above, and laterally at the level of the pelvis. It ends at the level of the pubic spine, located in front and in the center of the pelvic girdle.

Structure. The inguinal ligament is a cord made of fibers. It is found divided in two by the ilion-pectineal strip.

Inguinal canal formation. The inguinal canal is an oblique passage located below, in front and laterally at the level of the abdomen. The inguinal ligament forms part of the floor of this canal (1).

Formation of the femoral triangle. The femoral triangle or Scarpa’s triangle is a triangular space located on the front and upper part of the thigh. The inguinal ligament delimits this triangle from above (2).

Function of the inguinal canal. Formed in part by the inguinal ligament, the inguinal canal allows passage of the spermatic cord in men and the round ligament of the uterus in women (1).

Function of the femoral triangle. Formed in part by the inguinal ligament, the femoral triangle allows passage of the femoral nerve and its branches, the femoral artery and its branches, the femoral vein and its tributaries, and contains lymph nodes (2).

A painful inguinal ligament can be caused by an inguinal hernia. Congenital or acquired, this pathology is very common, especially in humans. It corresponds to a swelling in the groin, due to a displacement of visceral organs. These organs move abnormally through the inguinal canal. This swelling is small initially but can increase in size and lead to various complications. An inguinal hernia can in particular cause discomfort when walking, pain from pulling, and digestive disorders. In some more severe cases, the inguinal hernia can develop into a hernial constriction. The organs concerned are then trapped and compressed (3).

Drug treatments. In cases where the inguinal hernia is not very marked, an orthosis may be prescribed. These include bandages, belts or briefs that prevent organs from coming out through the abdominal wall.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the course and severity of the inguinal hernia, surgery may be performed to close the inguinal orifice (3). This intervention can be performed using different methods:

• Herniorrhaphy. This technique consists of suturing the different musculo-aponeurotic planes.
• Prosthesis. A prosthesis can be inserted to close the inguinal opening.

Physical examination. An inguinal hernia can be diagnosed by simple physical examination. The doctor may palpate the inguinal area to confirm the diagnosis.

The “Scarpa Triangle” takes its name from the 18th and 19th century Italian surgeon, Antonio Scarpa. He also carried out numerous works in neurology, and more particularly in neuroanatomy (4).