Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Inguinal Ligament (Crural Ligament. Poupart Ligament)

The inguinal ligament is involved in the condition known as the sportsman groin (inguinal disruption). Additionally, this ligament is an important surgical landmark and a groin hernia repair component. About 20 million people have an inguinal hernia repair yearly, making this type of surgery one of the most commonly performed worldwide. The lifetime occurrence of groin hernia, including visceral or adipose tissue protrusions through the inguinal or femoral canal, is 27% to 43% in men and 3% to 6% in women. Inguinal hernias are almost always symptomatic, and surgery is the only cure. This topic discusses the anatomy of the inguinal ligament and its clinical importance.

Gabrielle Falloppio first discovered the inguinal or Poupart ligament in 1562. Famous French anatomist Francois Poupart further described this important structure. Cunningham later discussed the inguinal ligament's tendinous nature in detail.