Pelvic Floor Anatomy Radiology

With advancing technology mri and 3d ultrasound techniques have increased our ability to detect pelvic floor defects and helped us gain insight into pathophysiology of pelvic floor disorders.

Pelvic floor anatomy radiology.

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. 1 5 retropubic anatomy showing points of attachments of the atla and the atfp. Mr imaging of the female pelvic floor in the supine and upright positions. 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.

Discuss the role of mr imaging espe cially dynamic sequences in the evalu ation and management of pelvic floor weakness. Pelvic floor anatomy is complex and is being unraveled by means of magnetic resonance mr imaging. 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. The pelvic floor is a musculofascial diaphragm inserted on the pelvic bones.

Conclusion in women with pelvic floor weakness pelvic mri with its superior soft tissue contrast resolution allows direct visualization of the pelvic organs. The knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy and function is essential to effective imaging of pelvic floor defects. 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. 28 fielding jr versi e mulkern rv lerner mh griffiths da jolesz fa.

Symptoms such as obstructive defecation incontinence and sphincter complex disorders have a significant impact on patient lifestyle and physical mental well being 1 2. Imaging studies include colonic transit to assess bowel motility. Dynamic analysis and evaluation of patients before and after surgical repair. Magnetic resonance imaging of pelvic floor relaxation.

The physiology of normal urinary and anal function and the routine clinical tests applied to them are outlined. Normal and pathologic anatomy at mr imaging. Pelvic floor imaging is an important part of both gastrointestinal and functional urology urogynaecological departments.