News Feed Discussions Possible femoral hernia Possible femoral hernia

  • drtowfigh

    Moderator
    May 8, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    Possible femoral hernia

    Yes! And thanks for your post.

    First, my research had shown that CT scan is very unhelpful for small or hidden hernias in the groin. Ultrasound and MRI is better. So the fact that CT scan was negative despite your symptoms means 1) it was not read specifically to look for hernias. 2) the hernia is too small to see on CT. When symptoms are suggestive and CT is negative for hernia, I recommend MRI.

    Femoral hernias can present with pain radiating down the from of the upper thigh. Sometimes it can also radiate up and out to hip and lower back. They are often too small to be felt on exam. So, symptoms are important to determine the plan of care. Pain is often activity related, with pain while sitting for a long time, sneezing, standing on your feet.

    I recommend MRI pelvis, without contrast. I have developed a hernia protocol which includes Valsalva and dynamic images to accentuate very small hernias. In my experience, women are more likely to have small or hidden hernias and they can be very painful.