Pelvimetric Measurements Research Articles

Developmental three-dimensional examination of the pelvic cavity of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses (Ovis aries) in the last two periods of gestation.

Türkiye is a country in the world ranking in terms of sheep breeding. Hamdani crossbred sheep breed is one of the sheep breeds that can adapt to the difficult conditions in our country. In addition, the sentence may be corrected as 'Especially in the southeastern part of the Türkiye, crossbreeding is preferred by breeders to increase the yield characteristics of sheep'. In our study, it was aimed to perform a pelvimetric analysis of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses in the second and third trimesters by three-dimensional modelling method. For this purpose, a total of 40 second-trimester (10 females, 10 males) and third-trimester (10 females, 10 males) fetuses were used. The pelvises of the fetuses were imaged with CT and 3D models were created. Sixteen pelvimetric measurements were performed from the models. The results obtained were evaluated statistically. The study found statistically significant differences between male and female fetuses in terms of vertical diameter (VD) and foramen obturatum width (FOW) measurement parameters in the second trimester. In the third trimester, there were statistically significant differences between genders in acetabulum (AC) (p < 0.01), medial ischial tuberosities (MIT), and ischiatic arch (IA) (p < 0.05) parameters. As a result of the correlation analysis, it was determined that the pelvis length (PL) measurement parameter was positively correlated with different parameters in varying degrees in both periods, while the IA parameter did not show significant correlations with the other parameter in the last two periods of pregnancy. In conclusion, the data obtained will be useful in pelvimetric evaluations of human and animal fetuses, anatomy education, zooarchaeology and taxonomy studies.

The influence of MRI-based pelvimetric measurements in mother’s choice of delivery in fetal breech position

IntroductionAt term, about 3–4% of all singleton pregnancies present as breech. MRI-based pelvimetry is a valuable tool to support selection of adequate candidates for a trial-of-labor in women expecting term breech babies. Shared decision-making is playing an increasingly important role in obstetrics. Since the divergent existing knowledge of breech term delivery needs to be discussed with the pregnant woman, we examined the influence of MRI results on the shared decision-making process in women with term breech presentation.MethodsBetween 08/2021 and 12/2022, anamnestic and clinical parameters were collected from singleton pregnancies expecting term breech babies resulting in birth at the Hanover Medical School. After information, written consent and inclusion, clinical parameters, the course of birth and the maternal and fetal outcome were collected retrospectively. 32 women participated in a postpartum questionnaire study on inquiry. The subsequent acquisition of information and the arguments in the decision-making process were determined. In addition, the sense of security and self-determination was asked both before and during birth.Results50% of the respondents had not decided for a mode of delivery before having MRI pelvimetry. After imaging and information, about the own pelvic dimensions and predictors for a successful vaginal birth, 80% of this subgroup decided to give birth vaginally. Over 40% of the collective descripted that they made a decision based on the result of MRI pelvimetry. None of the women felt to be insecure after having talked about the MRI results. The elective cesarean section group and the group of those who delivered vaginally were approximately equally highly satisfied with their feeling of self-determination of the birth mode. Overall, the study population had a very positive birth experience. The group of women who had delivered by elective cesarean showed a wider range in their assessment and appeared to perceive the experience more negative than the group of women who had a vaginal birth or emergency cesarean. Fetal and maternal outcomes did not differ between the groups.DiscussionMRT pelvimetry measurements can be used as a predictor for a successful vaginal breech delivery. The additional information obtained from the MRI measurements can be used in the shared decision-making process to decide more easily on the mode of delivery while improving women's awareness and safety. A balanced education on rare and frequently adverse events of vaginal delivery and cesarean section and patient expectations about labor processes must be taken into account.

Can 3D radiological calculations predict operational difficulties for rectal cancer?: A single center retrospective analysis.

Low anterior resection, performing total mesorectal excision with appropriate pelvic dissection to prevent local recurrence, is probably the most challenging type of surgery in colorectal surgery, especially in a narrow pelvis. In this study, we aimed to predict the operation difficulty of rectal cancer by comparing the operation time with 2D and 3D pelvimetry. Sixty-six patients who underwent total mesorectal excision after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy due to primary rectal cancer located in the middle and lower rectum (10 cm from the anus) were included in the study. Surgery notes were reviewed and data on demographic factors, tumor stage, duration of surgery, and types of surgery were collected, as well as pelvimetric parameters. All protocols had 2D T2-weighted sequences in 3 planes (axial, sagittal, and coronal). Pelvimetric measurements were made by measuring 8 pelvic lengths and 2 angles. Pelvis and tumor volume were measured by manual margin monitoring. In each slice, both pelvis and tumor boundaries were manually drawn individually in the sagittal plane. Pelvis and tumor volumes were calculated from the set of adjacent images by summing slice thickness and products of area measurements within the pelvis and tumor boundaries. In our results, no correlation was observed with operation time, including pelvic volume. Exception for this were interacetabular distance and tumor volume. In the regression test, the only parameter that correlated with the operation time was tumor volume. In conclusion, we believe that tumor volumetric calculations may be useful in predicting difficult distal rectal carcinoma surgeries.

Sex determination in budgerigars using radiographic pelvimetry.

The purpose of this study was to assess the pelvimetric values obtained from radiographic pelvis images of budgerigars in terms of sexual dimorphism. The objectives included determining linear osteometric and angle measurements of the pelvis, as well as calculating the length-to-width ratios among different pelvimetric measurements. Additionally, the study aimed to reveal the correlations between age and body weight with both the pelvimetric measurements and ratio measurements in these animals. In this study, measurements of linear distance, angle and length-to-width ratios were obtained from ventrodorsal images of the pelvis in a sample of 60 budgerigars, consisting of 30 males and 30 females. Subsequently, the statistical analysis of the obtained measurement values was performed. When analysing the morphometric measurement values based on sex, it was observed that all linear measurements (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10 and L11) were higher in males, whereas the angle measurements (A1, LA2 and RA2) were found to be significantly greater in females (p<0.05). Additionally, both male and female budgerigars exhibited a greater pre-acetabular length of the ilium compared to the post-acetabular length. Moreover, there were mostly positive significant correlations between age and body weight with the pelvic measurement values in both sexes (p<0.05). The obtained biometric measurement values from pelvimetric X-ray images in budgerigars were analysed to assess sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, this study presents fundamental morphometric data that can be valuable for clinical, taxonomic, phylogenetic, ornithological, allometric and characterization studies of budgerigars.

Magnetic resonance imaging pelvimetric measurements as predictors for emergent cesarean delivery in obstructed labor.

This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pelvimetric parameters for predicting emergent cesarean delivery due to obstructed labor. This was a prospective observational study. MRI pelvimetry was performed in cases of a clinically suspected maternal narrow pelvis, maternal short stature, fetal overgrowth, and abnormal placental position. MRI pelvimetry was performed at 34.7±4.2 gestational weeks using a 1.5T MRI system. The pelvic inlet angle, pelvic inclination, obstetric conjugate, sacral outlet diameter (SOD), and coccygeal pelvic outlet were measured in the sagittal section. The interspinous diameter and intertuberous diameter were measured in coronal sections. Fetal anomalies, cesarean deliveries before the onset of labor, and non-reassuring fetal status were excluded from the analysis. MRI pelvimetry was performed in 154 patients. After excluding 76 cases, including 19 cases of absolute cephalopelvic disproportion, 78 cases of trial of labor were included. Of these, 63 were vaginal deliveries and 15 were emergent cesarean deliveries due to obstructed labor. The cut-off value for body mass index (BMI) was 22.2, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.69, for predicting obstructed labor. The cut-off value for the SOD was 10.7cm with an AUC of 0.69. BMI alone had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 66%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 36%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 93%. When BMI and SOD were combined, sensitivity was 53%, specificity was 90%, PPV was 57%, and NPV was 89%. The odds ratio for emergent cesarean delivery was 5.42 (95% confidence interval 1.06-27.6, p=0.041) if the SOD was less than the cut-off value in the binomial logistic regression analysis in cases with an BMI >22. We confirmed that MRI pelvimetry was a reliable tool for better patient selection for obstructed labor. The SOD was the best predictor of obstructed labor, with a cut-off value of 10.7cm for women with a low BMI.

Value of the newly developed pelvic dimension index/prostate volume ratio in predicting positive surgical margin in prostate cancer.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of pelvimetric measurements, in particular the pelvic dimension index (PDI)/prostate volume (PV) ratio (PDI/PV), in predicting positive surgical margin (PSM) in prostate cancer (PC). 127 patients who had pre-operative pelvic imaging were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Apical depth (AD), interspinous distance (ISD), intertuberous distance (ITD), bony femoral width (BFW), soft-tissue width (SW), symphysis angle (SA), anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic inlet (API), anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic mid-plane (APM), anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet (APO), pelvic depth (PD), bony width index (BWI), soft tissue width index (SWI), pelvic cavity index (PCI), PDI and PV were measured on MRI or CT. Using PDI and PV, we developed a new parameter of "PDI to PV ratio" (PDI/PV). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive potential of variables in detection of PSM. The AD, PV, SA and total prostate specific antigen (PSA) were significantly higher in PSM( +), while PDI, BWI, SWI, API, PDI/PV and PD were significantly lower in PSM( +) (p< 0.05). In multivariate analysis, PDI/PV ratio and clinical stage were all significant predictor of PSM, where PDI/PV ratio was the strongest predictor, followed by clinical stage. Pelvimetric measurements indicating deep location of the prostatic apex rather than pelvic width are more effective in predicting PSM. Prediction of PSM with pelvimetric measurements, in particular PDI/PV ratio, may be helpful for surgical planning in preoperative period.

The Effects of Pelvimetric Measurements on the Operation Time of Open Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy

The Effects of Pelvimetric Measurements on the Operation Time of Open Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy

A three-dimensional pelvimetric assessment on pelvic cavity of gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) by computed tomography.

The gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa), which are at the risk of extinction and are legally protected, have a cultural and aesthetic value in Turkey. It becomes incredibly important to increase their numbers in order to ensure their survival. In this context, it is required to examine thoroughly the pelvic cavity which contains reproductive organs and is used as the birth canal, as well. This study was conducted to determine the pelvimetric data of the gazelles by scanning their pelvic cavity via a multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and preparing three-dimensional models of the pelvic cavity. Twelve adult (6 females, 6 males) gazelle carcasses were used in the study. After the pelvic cavity was scanned using the MDCT device with 64 detectors at 80kV, 200mA, 639mGY and 0.625mm cross-section thickness, the MDCT images were obtained. The three-dimensional models of the images obtained using MIMICS 20.1 (The Materialise Group, Leuven, Belgium) program were prepared. Pelvimetric measurements of the pelvic cavity were taken using these models. It was determined based on the pelvimetric examinations that there was a significant difference between the female and male gazelles in terms of conjugate diameter, vertical diameter, intermediate traversal diameter, and cranial and medial transverse diameter data at p<.05. Also, there was a significant difference in their data related to caudal transverse diameter and ischial arch at p<.01. Consequently, it is thought that the use of pelvimetric values belonging to the pelvic cavity of gazelles would reveal the sexual dimorphism of the species and its differences with other species and would contribute to clinical sciences.

Effect of pelvimetric diameters on success of surgery in patients submitted to robot-assisted perineal radical prostatectomy.

ABSTRACTObjective:Minimally invasive techniques are used increasingly by virtue of advancements in technology. Surgery for prostate cancer, which has high morbidity, is performed with an increasing momentum based on the successful oncological and functional outcomes as well as cosmetic aspects.Materials and methods:Sixty two patients underwent robot-assisted perineal radical prostatectomy (R-PRP) surgery at our clinic between November 2016 and August 2017. Six pelvimetric dimensions were defined and measured by performing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) prior to operation in all patients. In light of these data, we aimed to investigate the effect of pelvimetric measurements on surgery duration and surgical margin positivity.Results:By using this technique in pelvic area, we observed that measurements only representing surgical site and excluding other pelvic organs had a significant effect on surgery duration, and pelvic dimensions had no significant effect on surgical margin positivity.Conclusion:In R-PRP technique, peroperative findings and oncological outcomes can vary depending on several variable factors, but although usually not taken into account, pelvimetric measurements can also affect these outcomes. However, there is a need for randomised controlled trials to be conducted with more patients.

Pelvimetric profiles in crossbred cows of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

A study was conducted in crossbred cows maintained atorganised dairy farm of the institute to select cows based on the external pelvimetric measurements associated with body weight for breeding purpose. Cows (32) selected were divided in to 4 groups based on age, viz. Gr I (24–36 months), Gr II (37–48 months), Gr III (49–53 months), Gr IV (&gt;53 months) with 8 cows in each group. Overall mean area of pelvic inlet and outlet was 235.61±4.74 and 147.90±5.21 cm2, respectively. The study concluded that pelvimetric parameters and body weight were significantly higher in Gr IV than other younger animals (Gr I, II and III). These pelvimetric parameters and body weight increased as age advanced and differed significantly between the age groups. The body weight was positively correlated with pelvic area (r=0.92) and age (r=0.88). These findings will be helpful in selection of crossbred cows for breeding purpose in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

MRI based pelvimetric measurements as predictors for a successful vaginal breech delivery in the Frankfurt Breech at Term Cohort (FRABAT)

Introduction: International societies regard the vaginal breech delivery as a safe option that should be offered to a selected group of women. Society guidelines recommend an “adaequate maternal pelvis” as a selection criterion for vaginal breech births. Although MRI pelvimetry is a promising tool to identify suitable candidates for a vaginal breech delivery, more evidence is needed regarding the predictive value of pelvic measurements for a successful and safe trial of labor.

MRI-based pelvimetric measurements as predictors for a successful vaginal breech delivery in the Frankfurt Breech at term cohort (FRABAT)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the maternal pelvis, assessed by MRI pelvimetry in nulliparous women expecting a term fetus in breech presentation, to predict a successful and safe vaginal birth. Study designIn this monocentric and anonymized cohort study, we enrolled 367 nulliparous women with breech presentation at 39+0 to 41+0 weeks of gestation during a period of 8 years at the University Women's Hospital in Frankfurt/Main. Pelvic measurements were obtained by standard MRI imaging. We correlated the obstetric conjugate, the pubic angle and the distance between the ischial tuberosities (intertuberous distance) with the maternal and fetal outcomes of vaginally intended breech births. The data was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results241 of 367 participants (65.7%) experienced a successful vaginal delivery whereas 126 patients (34.3%) were subjected to secondary cesarean section. An increasing obstetric conjugate was significantly associated with an increasing rate of successful vaginal deliveries. No significant correlation of the intertuberous distance and the pubic angle with the mode of delivery could be shown. Although statistically not significant, we were able to define cut-off values of 10.9 cm in the intertuberous distance and 70° in the pubic angle; below these values, no successful vaginal delivery was recorded. No significant differences in the short-term outcomes were seen between the neonates of the vaginal delivery and the cesarean section groups. Inter- and intraobserver variability showed excellent reproducibility for all MRI parameters. ConclusionThe obstetric conjugate correlates with the rate of vaginal deliveries in nulliparous women at term and can be used as a useful criterion for pre-selection and counseling of women with breech presentation and the desire for a vaginal delivery.

MR Pelvimetry for Breech Presentation at Term- Interobserver Reliability, Incidental Findings and Reference Values.

Antepartal MR pelvimetry is used to assess the viability of vaginal breech delivery. We evaluated the reliability of MR pelvimetric measurements as well as incidental findings noted by different clinicians and assessed potential reference values. In this monocentric study, the radiologic database was searched for obstetric MR pelvimetries with singleton breech pregnancies between 1999 and 2016. 99 consecutive MR pelvimetries were included. A structured, independent review was performed by six observers with three clinical experience levels (attending, fellow, junior resident from the departments of radiology and obstetrics). Image analysis entailed the quantitative assessment of conjugata vera (CV) and diameter transversalis (DT), image quality and incidental findings. Obstetric data was retrieved from the obstetric database for reference value assessment. Interobserver agreement was strong throughout (mean intraclass correlation coefficient range: 0.889 - 0.968). The individual measuring biases ranged between 0 - 2 mm, and the average limits of agreement were ± 3 mm. Regarding the mode of delivery, the recommended cesarean section (rCS) group showed significantly smaller CV measurements (CV: 11.37 ± 0.73, p-value < 0.0001) than any other delivery group. No statistical difference in CV between the vaginal delivery and unplanned cesarean section groups was found (p-value 0.902). DT measurements only showed a significant difference between rCS and elective cesarean section (p-value 0.039). 134 incidental findings were noted. Strong interobserver agreement irrespective of the reader's experience level supports MR pelvimetry as a reliable method for identifying women with fetopelvic disproportion in breech presentation. For a comprehensive appraisal of incidental findings, radiologic expertise is vital. · MR pelvimetry is a reliable method irrespective of the reader's experience level.. · Conjugata vera measurements aid in the prepartal viability assessment of vaginal breech delivery.. · Incidental findings are relatively common.. · von Bismarck A, Ertl-Wagner B, Stöcklein S et al. MR Pelvimetry for Breech Presentation at Term- Interobserver Reliability, Incidental Findings and Reference Values. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2019; 191: 424 - 432.

Pelvimetry in nulliparous and primiparous women using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging.

To perform pelvimetry in nulliparous and primiparous women using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI). Twenty-five nulliparous volunteers and 25 primiparous women underwent pelvic 3T MRI within one week after vaginal childbirth in a prospective clinical single-center trial. The pelvimetric parameters interspinous distance (ISD), intertuberous distance (ITD), sagittal outlet (SO), obstetric conjugate (OC), and coccygeal curved length (CCL) were adapted from anthropometric measurements as well as from sonographic and computed tomography-based pelvimetry performed on high-resolution T2-weighted images. We compared the results of the two study groups to one another, recent literature and postpartum-diagnosed levator ani muscle (LAM) injuries. The mean values for primipara/nullipara were ISD 107 ± 8.3/105 ± 8.4 mm, ITD 119.8 ± 10.2/118.4 ± 13.1 mm, OC 129.4 ± 10/130.8 ± 6.9 mm, SO 114.3 ± 7.8/112.5 ± 8.9 mm, and CCL 37.3 ± 7.4/39 ± 8 mm. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between the results for OC, SO, and CCL (primipara) and ISD, ITD and OC (nullipara) and the values in the literature. No significant difference in pelvimetric values was found between the groups. A significant correlation was found between the pelvimetric parameters and five types of LAM injuries. Two-dimensional 3T MRI combines high-resolution images with objective pelvimetric measurements applicable in a postpartum setting. Our results provide a good foundation for further MRI-based studies evaluating the bony pelvis and its relation to LAM injuries during vaginal childbirth.

A species’ Odyssey: evolution of obstetrical mechanics from Australopithecus Lucy to nowadays

ObjectiveStudy of obstetrical mechanics of Australopithecus Lucy, Homo neanderthalensis and Homo erectus relative to modern Homo sapiens and the Catarrhines. Study designThe material comprised a total of 360 pelves: 3 fossil pelves reconstructed using casts (Australopithecus afarensis Lucy or AL 288-1, Homo erectus KNM-WT 15000, H. neanderthalensis or Kebara 2), 305 female modern adult pelves and 52 female Catarrhine pelves (29 gorillas, 18 chimpanzees, 5 orang-utans). All these pelves were reconstructed in order to carry out 11 pelvimetric measurements. Each measurement was carried out twice and by two different operators. ResultsThe pelvis of Lucy was platypelloid at each pelvic plane. The pelvic inlet of H. neanderthalensis was anteroposteriorly oval whereas the midplane and the outlet were transversely oval. The pelvis of H. erectus was globally round. In modern women, the inlet was transversely oval. The pelvic midplane and outlet were anteroposteriorly oval. In the great apes, the shape of all three pelvic planes was anteroposteriorly oval.The discriminating value of the various pelvimetry measurements place Australopithecus Lucy, H. neanderthalensis Kebara 2, and H. erectus KNM-WT 15000 close to modern humans and less similar to the great apes. ConclusionObstetrical mechanics evolved from dystocic delivery with a transverse orientation in Australopithecus to delivery with a modern human-like rotational birth and an increase in the anteroposterior diameters in H. erectus, H. neanderthalensis and modern H. sapiens.

Quantitative assessment of the ischiofemoral space and evidence of degenerative changes in the quadratus femoris muscle

Injuries to the quadratus femoris (QF) muscle have only recently appeared in the medical literature with the increasing use of advanced imaging in assessing musculoskeletal complaints in the gluteal region. Both strains of the QF muscle and impingement of the QF muscle within the ischiofemoral (IF) space can appear similar on imaging, and normative data of the IF space is important in establishing guidelines for defining these conditions. One purpose of this study was to quantitatively describe the IF and QF spaces. The second goal of this paper was to describe gross abnormalities seen in the QF muscle, and determine if the appearance of the muscle is associated with pelvimetric measurements. Quantitative measurements were taken of the IF and QF spaces on 16 cadavers (29 hips). The QF muscle was then examined and assigned a quantitative grade. The mean IF space was 23.5±4.7mm and QF space was 20.4±5.6mm. Abnormalities of the QF muscle were observed in 51.7% of the hips, and were associated with a greater approximation when moving the hip from neutral to maximally extended-adducted. While degenerative changes were present in the majority of QF muscles, these changes were not associated with the size of the IF or QF space. However, there was a significant association between the degree of degenerative change observed and (1) an increased approximation of the QF attachments sites; and (2) a narrower intertuberous diameter.

Application of computed tomography for the evaluation of obstetrically relevant pelvic parameters in German Holstein-Friesian cows

The aim of this study was to use computed tomography for the evaluation of the suitability of external pelvimetry to determine obstetrically relevant parameters. External pelvimetric measurements obtained in vivo using calipers and internal pelvimetric measurements obtained in vitro using computed tomography were taken in 30 German Holstein-Friesian cows ( Bos taurus). All measurements were highly reproducible with intraclass correlation coefficients ≥98%. Hip width was the external variable with the highest correlation to internal variables, particularly pelvic inlet area and circumference, pelvic volume, medial horizontal diameter of the pelvic inlet, and the narrowest horizontal diameter of the midpelvis (r 2 > 0.60, P < 0.0001). The pelvic inlet area and circumference, the pelvic volume, and the diagonal diameter of the pelvis were sufficiently predicted with the aid of external pelvic measurements and age (r 2≥ 0.80, P < 0.0001). The results of this study show that external pelvimetry yields reliable information about the size of the pelvis when the age of the cow is considered.

Three-dimensional pelvimetry by computed tomography

This study was undertaken to assess the agreement of computed tomography (CT) pelvimetry with different postprocessing techniques. CT data sets of 25 patients were retrospectively analysed. There were no CT examinations performed solely for pelvimetry, and there was no radiation exposure for study purposes. Six pelvimetric measurements were obtained by two independent observers in four data sets of each patient, i.e. on biplanar topograms, multiplanar reconstructions of 1-mm slices, volume-rendered images of the same data and volume-rendered images based on 5-mm-thick images. Interobserver agreement and variability were determined by Bland-Altman analysis. A human skeleton was also scanned and measured with the same techniques and by ruler as reference. With a correlation coefficient of 0.98, interobserver agreement was best for assessing 3D volume-rendered images reconstructed from 1-mm-thick slices. Interobserver variability was very good for sagittal outlet and midpelvic diameter, transverse inlet diameter and obstetric conjugate (correlation coefficients 0.96-0.99) but limited for intertuberous and interspinous distance. CT and ruler measurements of the skeleton showed excellent agreement. Pelvimetry can be obtained with low interobserver variability on 3D volume-rendered CT reconstructions. Thus, CT pelvimetry is suitable to gain exact knowledge of pelvic anatomy to identify relevant parameters for dystocia in retrospective studies.

Evaluation of the Rice pelvimeter for measuring pelvic area in double muscled Belgian Blue cows

The accuracy of the Rice pelvimeter for measuring pelvic area of double muscled Belgian Blue (BB) cattle was investigated by comparing measurements in the live animal with these obtained from the same animal after slaughter. Pelvic measurements from 466 BB-cows aged 2–10 years old and of an excellent carcass qualification (S and E in the SEUROP classification) were measured with the pelvimeter approximately 12 h prior to, and by graded ruler within 2 h after, slaughter. The mean difference of measurements between living and dead cattle were − 0.2 cm for pelvic width (95% limits of agreement − 2.5–2.1 cm), and 1.2 cm for pelvic height (95% limits of agreement − 1.8–4.1 cm). The correlation coefficient between all pelvic measurements was between 0.46 and 0.59 ( p < 0.001). The age of the animals influenced only pelvic height whilst carcass weight influenced all the components of the pelvic area. There was a significant correlation between the pelvimetric measurements of the birth canal in living cattle obtained using a Rice pelvimeter compared to actual measurements obtained from the carcass. The Rice pelvimeter is a suitable tool for assessing accurate pelvic skeletal conformation and to select animals in this breed with a larger birth canal and hence less dystocia problems.

Radiographic pelvimetry and evaluation of radiographic findings of the pelvis in cats with dystocia

Summary Objective: The aim of this study was to determine reference values for pelvic dimensions in radiographically unremarkable native Turkish cats (similar to European Shorthair cats) and to evaluate radiographic findings of the pelvis in cats with dystocia and to compare their pelvimetric measurements with those of radiographically unremarkable cats. Material and methods: Pelvimetry was performed on ventro-dorsal and lateral radiographs of radiographically unremarkable male (n = 34) and female cats (n = 23) with no history of dystocia and cats presented with dystocia. Cats with dystocia were classified in groups according to radiographical findings: cats without obvious radiographical changes, cats with traumatic pelvic stenosis and cats with pelvic narrowing due to metabolic disease. Statistical analyses were performed to find out significant differences between both groups with respect to gender and age. Results: Pelvic dimensions of radiographically unremarkable cats are greater in males compared to females. These differences increase with increasing age, but are not significant in cats older than 2 years. Twenty-five out of 37 queens presented with dystocia had significantly smaller pelvic dimensions compared to radiographically unremarkable queens. Deformation/narrowing of the pelvis in 12 cats (32%) due to old fractures and metabolic bone disease occurred in 7 and 5 cases, respectively. Conclusion: Old, untreated pelvic fractures and metabolic disorders may cause stenosis of the birth canal and dystocia. However, there is a high rate of queens without deformation, but smaller pelvic dimension experiencing dystocia. As 80% of these cats are around 1 year of age they might still be growing or are underdeveloped, despite pelvic physeal growth plates are already closed. Clinical relevance: Pelvic radiographs and pelvimetry before mating enables to identify cats with pelvic narrowing due to traumatic, metabolic, or developmental reasons and may prevent the queen from potential dystocia.