PELVIMETRY AND MEASUREMENTS OF PERTINENT LANDMARKS OF THE RETROPUBIC SPACE IN FEMALE CADAVERS

C. LaSala, MD, P. Tulikangas, MD

   Objective: To measure bony and ligamentous landmarks in the retropubic space of female cadavers.

   Methods: The retropubic space of 12 embalmed female cadavers was dissected bilaterally to measure the following distances: between the ischial spine and both the superior and inferior borders of the pubic tubercle, between the superior border of the symphysis pubis and the obturator canal, between the obturator canal and the ischial spine, between the sacral promontory and both the superior and inferior borders of the symphysis pubis, and between the inferior border of the symphysis pubis and the junction of the 4th and 5th sacral vertebrate. Measurements were made with a caliper and ruler to the nearest tenth of a centimeter.

   Results: The mean distance from the superior pubic tubercle to the ischial spine was 10.8 cm (range 9.0-12.0 cm). The mean distance from the inferior pubic tubercle to the ischial spine was 8.4 cm (range 7.6-9.4 cm). The mean distance from the superior symphysis pubis to the obturator canal was 6.0 cm (range 5.2-8.0 cm). The mean distance from the obturator canal to the ischial spine was 5.3 cm (range 4.7-6.2 cm). The mean distances between the superior and inferior borders of the symphysis pubis and the sacral promontory were 11.9 cm and 12.6 cm, respectively. The mean distance from the inferior symphysis pubis to the junction of the 4th and 5th sacral vertebrate was 13.2 cm (range 12.1-14.1 cm).

   Conclusion: These measurements are helpful landmarks in the surgical dissection of the retropubic space, and may be especially helpful during paravaginal defect repair.

   Key Words: bony landmarks, retropubic space