Lacunar ligament

Last revised by Yoshi Yu on 10 Mar 2023

The lacunar ligament, also known as Gimbernat’s ligament, is a crescent-shaped ligament that extends between the inguinal ligament and pectineal ligament, close to their point of insertion to the pubic tubercle.

Gross anatomy

The lacunar ligament is an extension of the medial end of the inguinal ligament, formed by the lower border of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, which is reflected backwards and laterally, attached to the pecten pubis 1.

Attachments

The apex of the lacunar ligament is attached to the pubic tubercle. Anteriorly, it is in continuity with the inguinal ligament. Fibers pass backward to attach posteriorly to the pecten pubis, in continuity with the pectineal ligament.  The base of the lacunar ligament is concave laterally, and the free edge forms the medial border of the femoral canal 2.

History and etymology 

It was first described by Don Antonio de Gimbernat y Arbós, a Spanish surgeon and anatomist, in 1795 3.

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