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Pectineal Line of the Pubis

pecten ossis pubis

The pectineal line (pecten pubis) is the sharp ridge on the superior surface of the superior pubic ramus running from the pubic tubercle laterally to the arcuate line of the ilium. The pectineus muscle originates along this line. Cooper ligament (pectineal ligament) attaches to the posterior aspect of the pectineal line and provides the strongest fixation point for femoral hernia repair mesh.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The pectineal line and Cooper ligament attached to it are the anatomical basis of the McVay (Cooper ligament) repair for femoral and inguinal hernias, where the inguinal floor is sutured to the robust Cooper ligament rather than the inguinal ligament alone. The pectineal line is the posterior fixation point for laparoscopic preperitoneal hernia mesh (TEP/TAPP), where tacks are placed into the pectineal line to anchor the inferior mesh margin. Injury to the corona mortis (aberrant obturator artery running along the pectineal line) causes significant haemorrhage during anterior acetabular fracture surgery.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Corona Mortis Injury Along Pectineal Line

The corona mortis, an anastomotic vessel between the obturator and external iliac arterial systems running along the pectineal line in the retropubic space, is injured during anterior acetabular approaches and laparoscopic hernia repair tacking along the pectineal line; its presence should be anticipated and the vessel identified and ligated before tacking.