Raymond C. Read (2007) Arthur Keith, the anatomist who evisioned herniosis

Abstract

We would like to add a comment on another important contribution of Arthur Keith to the Weld of herniology, that is, the original and accurate description of the inguinal “shutter” mechanism, a remarkable anatomic action against development of an inguinal hernia. [...] Today, virtual reality surgical simulation models allowing three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the human inguinal anatomy can be used as a complementary tool to assess dynamics of the inguinal area. In fact, using simulations with the Wnite element method we have recently confirmed the physiological “shutter” mechanism already described almost 100 years ago. These virtual reality Wndings are our present tribute to the outstanding anatomic descriptions of Arthur Keith.