OC-063 BASELINE DATA AND NORMAL ANATOMY OF THE ABDOMINAL WALL IN AN OBSERVATIONAL PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY OF NULLIPAROUS WOMEN

Abstract

Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to describe the pre-partum anatomy of the abdominal wall in a cohort of nulliparous women, with the main purpose to use as a reference for management of patients with postpartum abdominal core instability. Materials & Methods Seventy consecutive women were examined with ultrasonography measuring inter-recti distance (IRD), anatomical variations of linea semilunaris and the oblique muscles. Waistline was assessed during activated and relaxed abdominal core. Participant characteristics were registered. Questionnaires regarding habitual physical activity (Baecke), low back pain (Oswestry), physical functioning (DRI), urinary incontinence (UDI-6 and IIQ-7) and quality of life (SF-36) were answered. Results Response rate was 100%. Mean age was 30.5 years (19–50), mean BMI 23.5 kg/m2 (18.4–37.1). Ultrasonography showed a mean IRD 1.02 mm (0.27–2.35) at the superior border of the umbilicus, 0.93 mm (0.36–2.01) three cm above the umbilicus, 0.21 mm (-0.53–0.98) two cm below the umbilicus; mean thickness of the linea alba 0.28 mm (0.15–0.5); mean distance between the lateral lining of the rectus muscle and the external, internal and transverse oblique muscles of respectively 1.19 (-0.99–2.82), 0.09 mm (-1.37–1.3) and 1.46 mm (-1.36–3.19) at umbilicus level. Responses to the questionnaires showed overall low values on DRI, UDI-6, IIQ-7 and Oswestry; and overall values on Baecke and SF-36 similar to the normative population. Conclusions This study provides baseline data on the normal abdominal wall anatomy as well as mean values of activity, physical function, disabilities and quality of life, in a healthy nulliparous female cohort.