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How Accurate Is The Ultrasound In Showing A Small Right Inguinal Hernia And Could The Hip Labral Tear Have Interfered With This Reading?
Question: I had a MRI that showed a hip labral tear that showed on a 3T MRI. My Orthropedic Dr. gave me a cortisone shot that did not relieve my hip pain so he sent me to a General Surgeon to see if I had a sports hernia (as I have no bulge) that was causing my hip and groin pain. The General Surgeon ordered an ultrasound. I believe the highest resolution one. The ultrasound came back saying I had a small right inguinal hernia. How accurate is the ultrasound in showing this and could the hip labral tear have interfered with that reading?
Brief Answer:
Ultrasound scan is reliable in detecting small inguinal hernias
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
A hip labral tear will never interfere with the findings of an inguinal hernia.
The labrum of the hip is a structure closely in relation to the hip joint (the acetabulum and head of femur).
An inguinal hernia is visualised in the inguinal canal and is certainly away from the hip joint area.
Ultrasound scan is a good modality to elicit a small herniation in the inguinal area and I use the method in my patients regularly. Ultrasound scan is useful in visualisation of small hernias and shows a real time herniation during cough impulse in reducible hernias.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Ultrasound scan is reliable in detecting small inguinal hernias
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
A hip labral tear will never interfere with the findings of an inguinal hernia.
The labrum of the hip is a structure closely in relation to the hip joint (the acetabulum and head of femur).
An inguinal hernia is visualised in the inguinal canal and is certainly away from the hip joint area.
Ultrasound scan is a good modality to elicit a small herniation in the inguinal area and I use the method in my patients regularly. Ultrasound scan is useful in visualisation of small hernias and shows a real time herniation during cough impulse in reducible hernias.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
So it is safe to say I have a hernia and should proceed with the repair? I guess I am asking what are the chances of the ultrasound being wrong and it not being a hernia % wise.
Brief Answer:
Non complicated inguinal hernias can be observed and surgery planned later
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Ultrasound is a skilled technique and there is operator variability in findings.
Large hernias and ones with herniation of bowel and an inclination to non reducibility need urgent care and a quick surgery.
Small hernias can be allowed to evolve for few months and then a planned surgery may be performed.
Research has shown correlation with surgical findings showing ultrasound with clinical examination to have a sensitivity of 94%. The positive predictive value of ultrasound in patients who underwent surgery is 73%.
Hope your query is answered.
Regards,
Non complicated inguinal hernias can be observed and surgery planned later
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Ultrasound is a skilled technique and there is operator variability in findings.
Large hernias and ones with herniation of bowel and an inclination to non reducibility need urgent care and a quick surgery.
Small hernias can be allowed to evolve for few months and then a planned surgery may be performed.
Research has shown correlation with surgical findings showing ultrasound with clinical examination to have a sensitivity of 94%. The positive predictive value of ultrasound in patients who underwent surgery is 73%.
Hope your query is answered.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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