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Athletic injuries of the lateral abdominal wall: review of anatomy and MR imaging appearance

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Abstract

The lateral abdominal wall is comprised of three muscles, each with a different function and orientation. The transversus abdominus, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles span the abdominal cavity between the iliocostalis lumborum and quadratus lumborum posteriorly and the rectus abdominis anteriorly. The lateral abdominal wall is bound superiorly by the lower ribs and costal cartilages and inferiorly by the iliac crest and inguinal ligament. The lateral abdominal wall may be acutely or chronically injured in a variety of athletic endeavors, with occasional acute injuries in the setting of high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle collisions. Injuries to the lateral abdominal wall may result in lumbar hernia formation, unique for its high incarceration rate, and also Spigelian hernias. This article will review the anatomy, the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging approach, and the features and complications of lateral abdominal wall injuries.

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Author notes

  1. J. Derek Stensby

    Present address: Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, 510 S. Kingshighway, Campus Box 8131, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, 1218 Lee Street, Box 800170, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA

    J. Derek Stensby & Michael G. Fox

  2. Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, 510 S. Kingshighway, Campus Box 8131, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Jonathan C. Baker

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  1. J. Derek Stensby
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Correspondence to Michael G. Fox.

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Stensby, J.D., Baker, J.C. & Fox, M.G. Athletic injuries of the lateral abdominal wall: review of anatomy and MR imaging appearance. Skeletal Radiol 45, 155–162 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-015-2261-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-015-2261-y

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