Hesselbach’s Triangle

Other Known Aliases – Inguinal triangle, medial inguinal fossa

Definition – Anatomical region of the abdominal wall outlined by the boundaries of the lateral margin of the rectus sheath, the inferior epigastric vessels, and the inguinal ligament.

Clinical Significance – The area is where direct hernias protrude through the abdominal wall.

History – Named after Franz Kasper Hesselbach (1759-1816), who was a German physician, surgeon, and anatomist in Hammelburg, Germany.  He had a prolific career surgical assistant and prosector under Karl Kasper von Siebold at The Juliusspital in Würberg, before obtaining his doctor of medicine there.  He is best known for his contributions to the surgery of hernias and has several other eponyms as well: Hesselbach’s fascia (cribriform fascia) and Hesselbach’s ligament (interfoveolar ligament.

From his 1806 manuscript

References

1. Firkin BG and Whitwirth JA.  Dictionary of Medical Eponyms. 2nd ed.  New York, NY; Parthenon Publishing Group. 1996.
2. Bartolucci S, Forbis P.  Stedman’s Medical Eponyms.  2nd ed.  Baltimore, MD; LWW.  2005.
3. Yee AJ, Pfiffner P. (2012).  Medical Eponyms (Version 1.4.2) [Mobile Application Software].  Retrieved http://itunes.apple.com.
4. Whonamedit – dictionary of medical eponyms. http://www.whonamedit.com
5. Tubbs RS, Gribben WB, Loukas M, Shoja MM, Tubbs KO, Oakes WJ. Franz Kaspar Hesselbach (1759–1816): anatomist and surgeon. World journal of surgery. 2008; 32(11):2527-9. [pubmed]
6. Hesselbach HK. Anatomisch-chirurgische Abhandlung über den Urspurng der Leistenbrüche. Würzburg, Baumgärtner. 1806.
7. Hesselbach HK. Neueste anatomisch-pathologische Untersuchungen über den Ursprung und das Fortschreiten der Keisten- und Schenkelbrüche. Würzburg, Stahel. 1814