Lacunar Ligament

ligamentum lacunare

The lacunar (Gimbernat's) ligament is the triangular fibrous expansion at the medial end of the inguinal ligament that fans out to attach to the pectineal line of the pubis. It forms the sharp unyielding medial border of the femoral ring, which is why femoral hernias strangulate more readily than inguinal hernias. The femoral ring is bounded on all sides by inelastic structures.

Anatomical Data

Attachments

Origin	Medial end of the inguinal ligament
Insertion	Pectineal line of the pubis

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Forms the medial border of the femoral ring prevents medial displacement of femoral hernia contents

Forms the medial boundary of the femoral ring and supports the medial inguinal ligament.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Incising the lacunar ligament is the emergency procedure to release a strangulated femoral hernia, the sharp medial border of the femoral ring is cut to enlarge the ring and allow reduction of the trapped bowel. Care is needed for the occasional aberrant obturator artery (corona mortis) running on the posterior surface of the lacunar ligament.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Strangulated Femoral Hernia

Bowel incarceration through the tight femoral ring requiring emergency lacunar ligament incision to release the strangulated contents.

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