The Association Between Levator Ani Integrity and Postpartum Ano-Rectal Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Pregnancy and delivery are commonly associated with ano-rectal dysfunction. In addition, vaginal delivery may impact both the structure and functionality of the pelvic floor. Herein, we systematically reviewed the literature for the potential association between levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion and ano-rectal function after childbirth.

Effect of an online teaching module on midwives' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding intrapartum ultrasound: A quasi-experimental approach.

Introduction: Intrapartum ultrasound (IPUS) allows for a more reliable and reproducible assessment of fetal head station and position during labor. This study aimed to investigate how an online education module on IPUS impacts midwives' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding this topic.

Methods: Midwives working in the labor ward of the University Hospital of Leuven (Belgium) were invited to participate in an educational program on IPUS in April 2023.

Pelvic Floor Ultrasound Findings and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction During Pregnancy.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Pregnancy and childbirth predispose to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), coinciding with functional and anatomical changes in the pelvic floor. To some extent, these can be assessed by transperineal ultrasound (TPUS), yet the correlation between ultrasound findings and symptoms has not been well elucidated. We hypothesised that pregnant women with PFD would show different findings at TPUS.

Three-Dimensional Transperineal Ultrasound Assessment of the Anal Sphincter Immediately After Vaginal Birth: An Exploratory Study.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of acquiring adequate transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) volumes of the anal sphincter (AS) immediately after vaginal birth, the reproducibility of its measurements, and detecting defects therein.

Methods: Secondary analysis of TPUS volumes of the AS, acquired immediately after vaginal birth with a transversely oriented convex probe. Two independent experts ranked off-line image quality as "inadequate," "adequate," or "ideal" using the Point-of-Care Ultrasound Image Quality scale.

Comparison of Cross-Sectional Area of Pubovisceral Muscle in Nulliparous and Primiparous Women.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The main risk factor for pelvic floor disorders is vaginal delivery, which may cause levator ani muscle (LAM) injury and denervation. LAM includes pubovisceral muscle (PVM, pubococcygeus), puborectalis muscle (PRM), and iliococcygeus muscle. We hypothesize that primiparous women with low pelvic floor muscle contraction have a reduced PVM cross-sectional area (CSA) compared to nulliparous women.

Anthropometry of the human calcaneus and orientation of the articular facet for the cuboid bone as a basis for anatomically correct positioning of osteosynthetic screws in fracture treatment.

Purpose: Fractures of the calcaneus are reported most commonly in the tarsal region. Their incidence is highest among active people in productive age. As such, optimal treatment can have vast implications for patients.