Linea alba 3D morphometric variability by CT scan exploration

TL;DR

This study offers a comprehensive 3D analysis of the Linea alba's anatomical variability using CT scans, revealing how its dimensions and curvature vary with demographic factors, which could impact clinical assessments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel 3D morphometric approach to analyze the Linea alba's variability across diverse populations, considering width, length, and curvature.

Findings

Width is maximal at the umbilicus and larger above it.

Linea alba length increases with BMI and is shorter in women.

Curvature (sagitta) is higher in obese individuals and increases with age.

Abstract

Purpose: The width of the Linea alba, which is often gauged by inter-rectus distance, is a key risk factor for incisional hernia and recurrence. Previous studies provided limited descriptions with no consideration for width, location variability, or curvature. We aimed to offer a comprehensive 3D anatomical analysis of the Linea alba, emphasizing its variations across diverse demographics. Methods: Using open source software, 2D sagittal plane and 3D reconstructions were performed on 117 patients' CT scans. Linea alba length, curvature assessed by the sagitta (the longest perpendicular segment between xipho-pubic line and the Linea alba), and continuous width along the height were measured. Results: The Linea alba had a rhombus shape, with a maximum width at the umbilicus of 4.4$\pm$1.9 cm and a larger width above the umbilicus than below. Its length was 37.5$\pm$3.6 cm, which increased with body mass index (BMI) (p$\leq$0.001), and was shorter in women (p$\leq$0.001). The sagitta was 2.6$\pm$2.2 cm, three times higher in the obese group (p$\leq$0.001), majorated with age (p=0.009), but was independent of gender (p=0.212). Linea alba width increased with both age and BMI (p$\leq$0.001, p=0.002), being notably wider in women halfway between the umbilicus and pubis (p=0.007). Conclusion: This study provides an exhaustive 3D description of Linea alba's anatomical variability, presenting new considerations for curvature. This method provides a patient-specific anatomy description of the Linea alba. Further studies are needed to determine whether 3D reconstruction correlates with pathologies, such as hernias and diastasis recti.