Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Groin hernia caused by pelvic injury after trauma
By Chougala B et al.·2026·SMS Medical College and Hospital·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Groin Hernia Secondary to Traumatic Pubic Diastasis: An Uncommon Anatomical Sequela.
Plain-English summary
A groin hernia is a common issue, but it can become complicated when linked to a condition called pubic diastasis, which happens when the bones in the pelvis separate due to trauma. In this case, a 27-year-old man had a recurring swelling in his left groin after being in a car accident two years prior. He had already undergone surgery for his hernia twice before, but this time, doctors found that his pelvic bones were misaligned, which made the hernia repair more difficult. During surgery, they discovered that parts of his bladder and small intestine were pushing through the gap in his pelvis. After fixing the bones and repairing the hernia with a mesh, he recovered well and did not have any further issues after one year.
Abstract
Groin hernias are common surgical conditions; however, their occurrence in association with traumatic pubic diastasis is rare and may pose significant diagnostic and operative challenges. Pubic symphysis diastasis alters pelvic biomechanics and disrupts anatomical landmarks, potentially contributing to hernia formation, recurrence, and surgical complexity. We report the case of a 27-year-old male who presented with recurrent left groin swelling and a history of pelvic trauma following a road traffic accident two years earlier. He had previously undergone open mesh hernioplasty and subsequently transabdominal preperitoneal repair for recurrent inguinal hernia. In the current presentation, clinical examination revealed a reducible swelling with cough impulse. Pelvic radiography and 3D CT imaging demonstrated pubic diastasis measuring approximately 6 cm. During surgery, distorted inguinal anatomy and herniation of the urinary bladder and small bowel through the widened pubic symphysis were identified. The herniated contents were reduced, and open reduction and internal fixation of the pubic symphysis were performed, followed by onlay mesh repair. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remained asymptomatic with no recurrence at one-year follow-up. Pelvic instability and anatomical distortion due to pubic diastasis complicate conventional hernia repair and increase recurrence risk. Comprehensive radiological evaluation and tailored surgical planning are essential in such cases. Addressing both pelvic instability and the hernia defect is crucial to achieving durable outcomes. Groin hernia associated with pubic diastasis is an uncommon but clinically significant condition. A high index of suspicion is required in patients with prior pelvic trauma presenting with recurrent or atypical groin swelling. Combined fixation of the pubic symphysis along with mesh hernia repair provides effective and stable reconstruction, minimizing recurrence risk.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41970114