Diagnosis of levator avulsion injury: a comparison of three methods

Pelvic floor trauma in childbirth

The investigation of female pelvic floor function and anatomy is moving from the fringes to the mainstream of urogynaecology and female urology, and it is becoming increasingly relevant for obstetrics. We are coming to realise that pelvic floor trauma in labour is common, usually overlooked, and a major factor in the causation of pelvic organ prolapse. Modern imaging methods such as magnetic resonance and 3D/4D ultrasound have enabled us to diagnose such trauma reliably and accurately, most commonly in the form of an avulsion of the puborectalis muscle; that is, a disconnection of the muscle from its insertion on the os pubis. Such damage to the levator muscle is macroscopically evident and can also be palpated, a skill that is available to every clinician, requiring neither investment nor specialised equipment. In this review, I will describe pelvic floor assessment by palpation and ultrasound and illustrate the commonest abnormalities and their clinical consequences. This paper will not focus on magnetic resonance imaging due to technical restrictions, cost and access issues in most jurisdictions, and because several papers have recently shown that ultrasound is at least as effective in diagnosing such trauma. Anal sphincter trauma is generally well covered in the literature and hence not subject of this review.

Current Role of 3D/4D Sonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Modern 3D/4D sonography provides a routine method not only for storing single image planes as in 2D ultrasound but also for storing complete sets of volume data in the computer memory. Once acquisition is completed, all volumes can be accessed from the memory and normal and abnormal findings in both obstetrics and gynecology can be demonstrated in different display modes. Furthermore digital storage of volumes permits virtual examinations by reloading of volumes and navigating through them in the absence of the patient.

This review article would like to give an illustration of the latest technologies in 3D/4D ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology.

How to cite this article

Merz E, Pashaj S. Current Role of 3D/ 4D Sonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(4):400-408.