Hernia » Formation

Congenital (indirect) hernia, acquired (direct) hernia and sports hernia

One can differentiate between two forms of hernia, the congenital hernia and the acquired hernia.

The congenital (indirect) hernia is a condition that results from the failure of embryonic closure of the processus vaginalis testis in addition to a wide internal inguinal ring.

The acquired (direct) hernia occur medial to the inferior epigastric vessels when abdominal content pushes through the external inguinal ring. Here the weak point is located at the back of the inguinal canal represented by the abdominal muscles and the fascia transversalis. Possible causes are presumably loss of connective tissue, an increasing internal abdominal pressure and trauma.

A common problem for athletes is the so called Gilmore’s groin, a developing medial hernia that leads to pain in the groin. This is due to pressure placed on the structures running through the inguinal canal.

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