title: The triangles of Grynfeltt and Petit and the lumbar tunnel: an anatomo-radiologic study.
abstract: Lumbar hernias are protrusions of intra-abdominal contents classically through the superior (Grynfeltt) and inferior (Petit) lumbar triangles. The anatomy of the triangles is variable and quantitative data are few. No radiological data on the anatomy of the triangles are available.
  
  
  
  Fifty computed tomography angiography of the upper abdomen (M25, F25, mean age 72.5-year-old) were analyzed. The dimensions and the contents of the lumbar triangles were analyzed. The characteristics of the space between the two triangles were also documented.
  
  
  
  The superior lumbar triangle showed a mean surface area of 5.10 ± 2.6 cm2. In the area of the triangle, the 12th intercostal pedicle and the 1st lumbar branches of the iliolumbar vessels were found in 42 and 46 %, respectively. The inferior lumbar triangle had a mean surface of area 18.7 ± 8.4 cm2. In this area, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lumbar branches were found in 9, 67, and 8 %, respectively. On oblique coronal images, a direct tunnel between the superior and the inferior lumbar triangles was found, showing an oblique course, with a postero-anterior direction (mean length 36.5 ± 5.8 mm, mean caliber 7.4 ± 3.1 mm).
  
  
  
  Among the anatomical factors of weakening of the abdominal wall, the course of branches of the lumbar vessels was documented not only in the superior but also in the inferior lumbar triangle. A real musculoaponeurotic tunnel between the superior and the inferior lumbar triangles located in the oblique coronal plane was found, that could play a role in the development of incarceration or strangulation of lumbar hernias.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35127, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Macchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35127, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Porzionato
authors.affiliation: Section of Radiology, Euganea Medica Center, Via Colombo 3, Sant'Agostino Di Albignasego, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Morra
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35127, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: E E E
authors.initials: EEE
authors.lastname: Picardi
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35127, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stecco
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, Grenada.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Loukas
authors.affiliation: Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Tubbs
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 65, 35127, Padua, Italy. rdecaro@unipd.it.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Caro
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000368:Aged; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography; D005260:Female; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male
keywords: Computed tomography; Hernia; Inferior lumbar triangle; Radiologic anatomy; Superior lumbar triangle