Poupart Ligament Detail

ligamentum inguinale (Poupart) detail

Poupart ligament is an eponym for the inguinal ligament — the rolled inferior edge of the external oblique aponeurosis running from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle, forming the floor of the inguinal canal.

Region: Abdomen

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Forms the floor and inferior boundary of the inguinal canal, provides attachment for the internal oblique and transversus abdominis through the conjoint tendon medially, and serves as the superior boundary of the femoral triangle.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The inguinal ligament is the primary landmark for femoral canal anatomy — the femoral vessels lie lateral to the lacunar ligament and medial to the iliopsoas below the inguinal ligament. In inguinal hernia repair, the ligament is the inferior attachment for the mesh. The lacunar ligament at the medial end of the inguinal ligament is divided to reduce a femoral hernia.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Inguinal Ligament as Femoral Hernia Reference

The medial end of the inguinal ligament (and the lacunar ligament) forms the medial boundary of the femoral canal through which femoral hernias protrude.

Inguinal Ligament Division for Femoral Hernia Reduction

Division of the lacunar ligament at the medial inguinal ligament is required to reduce an irreducible femoral hernia safely without injuring the femoral vein.