Novel Technique for Mesh Fixation to the Bone in Recurrent Post Traumatic Lumbar Hernia

BACKGROUND: Traumatic lumbar hernia is due to shearing of bony insertions of the muscle in the lumbar region. In recurrent cases, there is more attenuation of muscles. This makes fixation of the mesh extremely difficult. Hence, the need to develop a new technique. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old male presented with a recurrent post-traumatic right- sided lumbar hernia. He had a severe two wheeler accident. Following the accident he had undergone various surgical interventions for a fractured pelvis with a deglowing injury involving the right gluteal region and upper thigh. He had also developed a post-traumatic lumbar hernia for which he had undergone open mesh repair. Subsequently he developed recurrence of the post traumatic right-sided lumbar hernia. After complete investigation he underwent open mesh repair for the recurrent post traumatic lumbar hernia. The defect was wide and was devoid of healthy surrounding muscles. The mesh was fixed to the ileal bone with bone anchors and to the twelfth rib with trans-osseous fiber sutures passed through holes drilled in the twelfth rib. Flaps were created from the remnant surrounding attenuated muscles. They were double-breasted to cover the mesh. Postoperative outcome was excellent with no recurrence for the last six months. DISCUSSION: The various anatomical and technical considerations of bone fixation of the mesh for hernia repair are discussed. CONCLUSION: Bone fixation of the mesh with bone anchors is a viable option especially in cases where there is severe attenuation of adjacent muscles for mesh fixation.