Superior lumbar triangle
Trigonum lumbale superius
- Eponym: Grynfelt's triangle; Lesshaft's triangle
- Related terms: Superior lombar triangle
Definition
The superior lumbar triangle (Grynfeltt-Lesshaft triangle), is an anatomical region located in the lumbar region of the back. It is one of the two primary sites where lumbar hernias can occur, the other being the inferior lumbar triangle (Petit's triangle).
The boundaries of the superior lumbar triangle are as follows:
• Superiorly: The 12th rib
• Medially: The erector spinae muscles
• Laterally: The posterior border of the internal oblique muscle
The floor of the triangle is formed by the transversalis fascia, and the roof is covered by the latissimus dorsi muscle. This anatomical region is significant because it is a potential site for lumbar hernias, which are rare but can occur through this weakened area of the abdominal wall.
References
1.EHS and AHS Guidelines for Treatment of Primary Ventral Hernias in Rare Locations or Special Circumstances.Henriksen NA, Kaufmann R, Simons MP, et al.BJS Open. 2020;4(2):342-353. doi:10.1002/bjs5.50252.
2.The Triangles of Grynfeltt and Petit and the Lumbar Tunnel: An Anatomo-Radiologic Study.Macchi V, Porzionato A, Morra A, et al.Hernia : The Journal of Hernias and Abdominal Wall Surgery. 2017;21(3):369-376. doi:10.1007/s10029-016-1509-3.
