Pelvic floor imaging

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2011 Mar;38(1):23-43, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2011.02.002.

Abstract

Pelvic floor ultrasound is a valuable adjunct in elucidation of cause, diagnosis, and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. Three-dimensional ultrasound specifically has been shown to have many advantages over conventional imaging modalities. Proper evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function, strength, and integrity is an important component of diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor muscle training used to change the structural support and strength of muscle contraction requires clinicians to be able to conduct high-quality measurements of pelvic floor muscle function and strength. Ultrasound is a useful modality to assess the pelvic floor and its function. As practitioners become more familiar with the advantages and capabilities of ultrasound, this tool should become part of routine clinical practice in evaluation and management of pelvic floor disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anal Canal / diagnostic imaging
  • Barium
  • Defecography
  • Diagnostic Imaging*
  • Fecal Incontinence / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pelvic Floor* / anatomy & histology
  • Pelvic Floor* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pelvic Floor* / physiology
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse / diagnosis
  • Perineum / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography / methods
  • Urinary Incontinence / diagnosis
  • Urinary Incontinence / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Barium