Lumbar hernia

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Lumbar hernia occurs through defects in the lumbar muscles or the posterior fascia, below the 12th rib and above the iliac crest. It usually occurs after surgery or trauma. Herniation may occur through the superior (Grynflett-Lesshaft) or, less commonly, the inferior (petit) lumbar triangle. Superior lumbar triangle is bordered by the internal oblique muscle anteriorly, the 12th rib superiorly, and the erector spinal muscle posteriorly.The inferior lumbar triangle is bordered by the external oblique muscle anteriorly, the iliac crest inferiorly, and the latissimus dorsi muscle posteriorly.

• Small bowel obstruction
• Incarceration: hernia cannot be reduced or pushed back manually
• Strangulation: ischemia caused by a compromised blood supply

CT images demonstrate a right lumbar hernia

• Hernia

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