Fascinating history of groin hernias: Comprehensive recognition of anatomy, classic considerations for herniorrhaphy, and current controversies in hernioplasty

Figure 11  “Triangle of pain”. The “triangle of pain” (orange dotted triangle) is defined as the area lateral to the testicular vessels and inferior to the iliopubic tract. The “triangle of pain” involves the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, femoral nerve, and anterior cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve. Subtle injury (or greater) to the nerves located within the “triangle of pain” is a risk factor for intractable pain. Fb-GFN: The femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve; Gb-GFN: The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve; IPT: Iliopubic tract; LFCN: Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.