ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS OF THE INGUINAL CANAL IN PREPUBESCENT CHILDREN

Background: Most adult anatomical texts state that the deep inguinal ring is situated midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic tubercle. The aim of this study was to determine if this was true in prepubescent children. Methods: A total of 107 inguinal ligaments and canals were measured during inguinal operations in 80 children (68 boys, age range 1–118 months). Results: The length of the inguinal ligament increased from a median of 4.3 cm (range 3.6–6.8) at less than 1 year of age to 7.5 cm (range 6.7–10.1) at over 4 years of age. The internal ring was situated medial to the midpoint of the inguinal ligament throughout childhood. The ratio of internal ring to pubic tubercle over inguinal ligament length was 42% (range 27–58) at less than 2 years; and 34% (range 25–46) at over 4 years. The inguinal canal remained short (median 1 cm (range 0.7–1.1) at less than 2 years, and median 1.1 cm (range 0.7–2.3) at over 4 years) suggesting that growth of the inguinal region in this age group occurs outside the canal. Conclusions: These results have implications for the siting of incisions, and question the necessity of opening the inguinal canal in children.