Pelvic Floor Anatomy Radiology

The pelvic floor is a musculofascial diaphragm inserted on the pelvic bones.

Pelvic floor anatomy radiology.

The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy and etiology of pelvic floor weakness in women and to discuss the role of mri in the assessment of female pelvic floor dysfunction. Whereas exact mechanisms of pelvic floor weakness are subject to debate established risk factors 2 4 include vaginal childbirth advancing age as pelvic floor weakness progresses with age and increasing body mass index potential risk factors include ethnicity most common among caucasian women followed by hispanic asian and afro caribbean women genetics higher incidence in some. Imaging studies include colonic transit to assess bowel motility. 1 5 retropubic anatomy showing points of attachments of the atla and the atfp.

28 fielding jr versi e mulkern rv lerner mh griffiths da jolesz fa. The physiology of normal urinary and anal function and the routine clinical tests applied to them are outlined. Pelvic floor anatomy is complex and is being unraveled by means of magnetic resonance mr imaging. Dynamic analysis and evaluation of patients before and after surgical repair.

Compartmentalization of the pelvic floor has lead to different medical specialties looking at that specific compartment and paying less attention to the whole pelvic floor fig. Magnetic resonance imaging of pelvic floor relaxation. Normal and pathologic anatomy at mr imaging. Conclusion in women with pelvic floor weakness pelvic mri with its superior soft tissue contrast resolution allows direct visualization of the pelvic organs.

This is discussed in detail by using a global rather than a compartmentalized anatomic approach. Pelvic floor weakness refers to a spectrum of functional disorders describe the normal anatomy of the female pelvic floor and recognize the main mr imaging features of pelvic floor weakness. It closes and controls the pelvic outlet providing both static support to visceral organs opposing gravity and increased abdominal pressures and active closure of the urogenital hiatus permitting the emptying and. The knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy and function is essential to effective imaging of pelvic floor defects.

Symptoms such as obstructive defecation incontinence and sphincter complex disorders have a significant impact on patient lifestyle and physical mental well being 1 2. The authors review the pelvic floor anatomy describe the mr imaging protocol used in their institutions survey common mr imaging findings in the presence of pelvic floor weakness and highlight key details that radiologists should provide surgeons to ensure effective treatment and improved outcomes. Discuss the role of mr imaging espe cially dynamic sequences in the evalu ation and management of pelvic floor weakness.