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Anatomically realistic finite element simulations of Pelvic floor mechanics
Author(s) -
Cheng Leo K.,
Noakes Kimberley F.,
Bissett Ian P.,
Pullan Andrew J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
pamm
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1617-7061
DOI - 10.1002/pamm.200700880
Subject(s) - pelvic floor , finite element method , position (finance) , geology , anatomy , mechanics , structural engineering , physics , medicine , engineering , finance , economics
Abstract An anatomically realistic computational model of the pelvic floor and anal canal regions was used to examine the mechanics of normal defecatory function within the female pelvic floor. The subject specific model was constructed from MR images acquired from a healthy nulliparous 32 year old female. Deformation of the levator ani was simulated during a ‘bear down’ manoeuvre. A pressure of 4 kPa was imposed on the mesh and the computed mesh displacements were compared to those obtained from dynamic MR images of the same subject. The average RMS difference between the simulated mesh position and that determined by the dynamic MRI was 14 mm. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)