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International Urogynecology Journal

Published in:

01-01-2013 | Original Article

Comparative analysis of pelvic ligaments: a biomechanics study

Authors: Géraldine Rivaux, Chrystèle Rubod, Bruno Dedet, Mathias Brieu, Boris Gabriel, Michel Cosson

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects one third of women of all ages and is a major concern for gynecological surgeons. In pelvic reconstructive surgery, native ligaments are widely used as a corrective support, while their biomechanical properties are unknown. We hypothesized differences in the strength of various pelvic ligaments and therefore, aimed to evaluate and compare their biomechanical properties.

Materials and methods

Samples from the left and right broad, round, and uterosacral ligaments from 13 fresh female cadavers without pelvic organ prolapse were collected. Uniaxial tension tests at a constant rate of deformation were performed and stress–strain curves were obtained.

Results

We observed a non-linear stress–strain relationship and a hyperelastic mechanical behavior of the tissues. The uterosacral ligaments were the most rigid whether at low or high deformation, while the round ligament was more rigid than the broad ligament.

Conclusion

Pelvic ligaments differ in their biomechanical properties and there is fairly good evidence that the uterosacral ligaments play an important role in the maintenance of pelvic support from a biomechanical point of view.

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Title: Comparative analysis of pelvic ligaments: a biomechanics study
Authors: Géraldine Rivaux
Chrystèle Rubod
Bruno Dedet
Mathias Brieu
Boris Gabriel
Michel Cosson
Publication date: 01-01-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1861-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Comparative analysis of pelvic ligaments: a biomechanics study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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