Comparison of bony dimensions at the level of the pelvic floor in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Mar;200(3):241.e1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2008.10.040.

Abstract

Objective: We sought to compare bony pelvis dimensions at the level of pelvic support in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Study design: Pelvic floor dimensions of 42 white women with POP > 1 cm beyond the hymen were compared with 42 age- and parity-matched women with normal support. Bony landmarks relevant to connective tissue and levator attachments were identified on magnetic resonance imaging. Dimensions were independently measured by 2 examiners and averaged for each subject.

Results: Measurements (in centimeters) for patients and control subjects were as follows: interspinous diameter, 11.2 +/- 0.8 versus 11.1 +/- 0.7, P = .19; anterior-posterior outlet diameter, 11.7 +/- 0.7 versus 11.7 +/- 0.8, P = .71; pubic symphysis to ischial spine left, 9.5 +/- 0.5 versus 9.5 +/- 0.4, P = .91; pubic symphysis to ischial spine right, 9.5 +/- 0.4 versus 9.5 +/- 0.5, P = .81; sacrococcygeal junction to ischial spine left, 7.0 +/- 0.6 versus 7.0 +/- 0.5, P = .54; and sacrococcygeal junction to ischial spine right, 7.0 +/- 0.6 versus 6.9 +/- 0.4, P = .32.

Conclusion: Bony pelvis dimensions are similar at the level of the muscular pelvic floor in white women with and without POP.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Observer Variation
  • Organ Size
  • Pelvic Floor / anatomy & histology*
  • Pelvis / anatomy & histology*
  • Uterine Prolapse / pathology*