Lacunar ligament

The lacunar ligament (a.k.a. the Gimbernat ligament), is a crescent-shaped medial extension of the inguinal ligament formed where the medial fibres of the inguinal ligament reflect posteriorly to attach to the pecten pubis along the superior pubic ramus. Structurally, the ligament is triangular in shape, with its apex directed medially toward the pubic tubercle and its base directed laterally. The free concave lateral margin of the lacunar ligament forms the medial boundary of the femoral ring, while its posterior continuation forms the pectineal ligament (Coopers ligament), which extends laterally along the pectineal line.

Anatomically, the lacunar ligament contributes to the floor of the inguinal canal and strengthens the medial aspect of the groin.

Clinical correlate

Because of its position, the lacunar ligament plays an important role in the anatomy of femoral hernias. The femoral ring is bounded anteriorly by the inguinal ligament, medially by the lacunar ligament, laterally by the femoral vein, and posteriorly by the pectineal ligament and superior pubic ramus.

Femoral hernias may become strangulated at the femoral ring and therefore, during surgical enlargement of the femoral ring, the lacunar ligament may need to be divided to relieve constriction.