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Linea alba 3D morphometric variability by CT scan exploration

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Abstract

Purpose

The width of the Linea alba, which is often gauged by inter-rectus distance, is a key risk factor for incisional hernia and recurrence. Previous studies provided limited descriptions with no consideration for width, location variability, or curvature. We aimed to offer a comprehensive 3D anatomical analysis of the Linea alba, emphasizing its variations across diverse demographics.

Methods

Using open source software, 2D sagittal plane and 3D reconstructions were performed on 117 patients’ CT scans. Linea alba length, curvature assessed by the sagitta (the longest perpendicular segment between xipho-pubic line and the Linea alba), and continuous width along the height were measured.

Results

The Linea alba had a rhombus shape, with a maximum width at the umbilicus of 4.4 ± 1.9 cm and a larger width above the umbilicus than below. Its length was 37.5 ± 3.6 cm, which increased with body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), and was shorter in women (p < 0.001). The sagitta was 2.6 ± 2.2 cm, three times higher in the obese group (p < 0.001), majorated with age (p = 0.009), but was independent of gender (p = 0.212). Linea alba width increased with both age and BMI (p < 0.001–p = 0.002), being notably wider in women halfway between the umbilicus and pubis (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

This study provides an exhaustive 3D description of Linea alba’s anatomical variability, presenting new considerations for curvature. This method provides a patient-specific anatomy description of the Linea alba. Further studies are needed to determine whether 3D reconstruction correlates with pathologies, such as hernias and diastasis recti.

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Data availability

All data supporting the findings are available within the paper and its Supplementary Information.

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Funding

Pierre GUEROULT disclaimed an “Association Française de Chirurgie” grant and a state research grant. Grants had no influence on scientifical content of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Biomécanique Appliquée, Aix Marseille Univ, IFSTTAR UMR T24, Marseille, France

    P. Gueroult, V. Joppin, C. Masson & T. Bege

  2. Service de chirurgie viscérale et endocrinienne, Angers University Hospital, Rue Larrey, 49933, CEDEX 9, Angers, France

    P. Gueroult

  3. Department of Medical Imaging, Aix Marseille Univ, North Hospital, APHM, Marseille, France

    K. Chaumoitre & M. Di Bisceglie

  4. Anthropologie Biologique UMR 7268ADES, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France

    K. Chaumoitre

  5. Department of General Surgery, Aix Marseille Univ, North Hospital, APHM, Marseille, France

    T. Bege

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  1. P. Gueroult
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  2. V. Joppin
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  4. M. Di Bisceglie
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Contributions

PG: collected the data, PG and VJ: processed the data and made figures, VJ: created the Matlab code, PG: drafted the article, VJ KC MDB CM and TB did the revision of the article.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. Gueroult.

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The Local Ethics Committee approved this study.

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Gueroult, P., Joppin, V., Chaumoitre, K. et al. Linea alba 3D morphometric variability by CT scan exploration. Hernia 28, 485–494 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-023-02939-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-023-02939-0

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