European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A LUMBAR HERNIA: A RARE CONGENITAL ANOMALY

Siva Konduru, T. Ramesh Rao and Suresh Rao*

ABSTRACT

Lumbar hernias are very rare, less than 300 cases have been reported over the past 300 years.[1] Lumbar hernias manifest through two possible defects in the posterior abdominal wall either in superior (Grynfeltt) or inferior (Petit’s) lumbar triangles. In 1866 Grynfelt described the three sided space that is bordered by the 12th rib superiorly, the internal oblique muscle laterally and the quadratus lumborum medially.[2] The roof of the triangle is formed by the latissimus dorsi and the aponeurosis of the transversalis muscle forms the floor. In 1774, Petit described a space bounded by the iliac crest inferiorly, the external oblique anteriorly, and the latissimus dorsi posteriorly. The roof consists of skin and superficial fascia, whereas the floor is the internal oblique muscle.[3] Lumbar hernias may be congenital or acquired and may occur through one of two lumbar triangles or may occur in a more diffuse nature. The congenital lumbar hernias being the most rare and are often seen with other anomalies[4], acquired hernias may result from infection, previous surgical procedures or from trauma. Knowledge of general anatomical locations, causes and relevant clinical finding of the lumbar hernias may be useful and aid in improved clinical outcomes for radiologist and surgeons.

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