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. 2021 Jun 1;35(6):333-338.
doi: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000001995.

The Iliopectineal Fascia: A Cadaveric Anatomical Study

Jordan P Barker  1 , Yang Yang, Jacob Matz, Meir T Marmor, Saam Morshed
Affiliations

The Iliopectineal Fascia: A Cadaveric Anatomical Study

Jordan P Barker et al. J Orthop Trauma. .

Abstract

Objectives: The iliopectineal fascia (IPF) serves as an important anatomical compass during the ilioinguinal and anterior intrapelvic approaches. The purpose of this investigation is to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the IPF by cadaveric dissection.

Methods: Dissections were performed on 7 paired fresh-frozen cadaveric pelvic specimens. Measurements were made with surgical rulers to determine attachments of the IPF relative to surrounding anatomy.

Results: The IPF is the thickened anterior portion of the iliopsoas fascia, attached superolaterally at the iliac crest for a mean insertion distance of 2.5 cm (range, 2.0-3.0 cm), immediately posterior to the origin of the inguinal ligament. Inferomedially, the IPF attaches to a bony ridge along the apex of the iliopectineal eminence, between the pelvic brim posteriorly and the anterior wall of the acetabulum anteriorly (mean distance, 4.3 cm; range, 3.1-5.6 cm). The attachment at the iliopectineal eminence is 7.8 cm (range, 6.0-10.0 cm) from the pubic symphysis, measured curvilinearly along the brim. The mean length of the IPF between its superolateral and inferomedial attachments is 9.2 cm (range, 8.0-11.8 cm). Anterolaterally, the IPF is the site of attachment of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis. Posteriorly, the IPF continues as the iliopsoas fascia.

Conclusions: The authors have sought clarity and reconciliation of the myriad terms and descriptions of the IPF and its surrounding anatomy. We recommend a thorough understanding of this anatomy to enable safe and effective surgery via the ilioinguinal and anterior intrapelvic approaches to the acetabulum.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

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