Three dimensional model of the female perineum and pelvic floor muscles.

OBJECTIVE:The anatomy of the perineum and the pelvic diaphragm of woman is complex. A numerical complete three-dimensional (3D) model of every muscle of the woman pelvis doesn't exist. The pathophysiology of genital prolapse is still debated. Knowledge of anatomy is essential to better understand its mechanisms. The aim of this research was to build a complete three-dimensional model of the female perineum and pelvic floor muscles. STUDY DESIGN:To model the pelvic muscles we reconstructed them in three dimensions from tracing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a female pelvis from a cadaver. RESULTS:We obtained a complete anatomical model of the muscles of the perineum and pelvic floor. Each muscle was built thanks to the MRI. CONCLUSION:We obtained the first complete anatomical model of the perineal muscles and pelvic diaphragm. It could be a good educational and simulation tool for better understanding normal and pathological pelvic mobility.