Surgery>>>>>Inguinal Hernias
Question 2#

The two types of collagen found to exist in a decreased ratio of the skin of inguinal hernia patients are:

A. Types I and II
B. Types II and III
C. Types I and III
D. Types III and VI

Correct Answer is C

Comment:

Epidemiologic studies have identified risk factors that may predispose to a hernia. Microscopic examination of skin of inguinal hernia patients demonstrated significantly decreased ratios of type I to type III collagen. Type III collagen does not contribute to wound tensile strength as significantly as type I collagen. Additional analyses revealed disaggregated collagen tracts with decreased collagen fiber density in hernia patients' skin. Collagen disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, are also associated with an increased incidence of hernia formation (Table below). Recent studies have found an association between concentrations of extracellular matrix elements and hernia formation. Although a significant amount of work remains to elucidate the biologic nature of hernias, current evidence suggests they have a multifactorial etiology with both environmental and hereditary influences.

Connective tissue disorders associated with groin herniation: