PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Where do femoral hernias typically present?

1. At the site of a surgical scar

2. Through the femoral ring and into the thigh

3. In the groin, above the inguinal ligament

4. Near the umbilicus

The correct answer is: Through the femoral ring and into the thigh

Femoral hernias are characterized by their presentation through the femoral ring, which is located below the inguinal ligament. This anatomical feature allows the hernia to protrude into the femoral canal, leading to its typical presentation in the superior medial thigh, just below the inguinal crease. The distinct pathway of a femoral hernia, moving through the femoral ring, differentiates it from other types of hernias, such as inguinal hernias, which present in a different location primarily above the inguinal ligament. The presentation through the femoral ring is critical to identifying and diagnosing femoral hernias, as this anatomical location is where they occur most commonly.