The lumbar triangle can refer to either the inferior lumbar (Petit) triangle, which lies superficially, or the superior lumbar (Grynfeltt) triangle,[Goodman, E. H. and Speese, J.: Lumbar Hernia. Ann. Surg., 63:548, 1916.] and is more commonly the site of herniation; however, the inferior lumbar triangle is often simply called the lumbar triangle, perhaps owing to its more superficial location and ease in demonstration.
Inferior lumbar (Petit) triangle
The margins of the inferior lumbar (Petit's) triangle are composed of the
iliac crest inferiorly and the margins of two muscles –
latissimus dorsi (posteriorly) and external abdominal oblique (anteriorly). The floor of the inferior lumbar triangle is the internal abdominal oblique muscle. The fact that herniations occasionally occur here is of clinical importance.
A lumbar hernia here is called a Petit's hernia.
Superior lumbar (Grynfeltt-Lesshaft) triangle
The superior lumbar (Grynfeltt-Lesshaft) triangle is formed medially by the quadratus lumborum, laterally by the
Internal oblique, and superiorly by the 12th rib. The floor of the superior lumbar triangle is the transversalis fascia and its roof is the external abdominal oblique muscle. A Grynfeltt-Lesshaft hernia can occur here.
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