Changes in pelvic alignment in a woman before and after childbirth, using three-dimensional pelvic models based on magnetic resonance imaging: A longitudinal observation case report

Abstract

3-dimensional pelvic models based on magnetic resonance images (MRI) can be used to investigate accuracy and specifics of changing pelvic alignment during pregnancy and after childbirth. Few studies have investigated changes of pelvic alignment during pregnancy and after childbirth using three-dimensional pelvic models. This case report documents the changes of pelvic alignment during late pregnancy and after childbirth using MRI-based three-dimensional (3D) pelvic models. This was a longitudinal observation case report. A woman was imaged with MRI at 28 and 39 gestational weeks, as well as 4 and 72 weeks after childbirth. Greater internal, anterior, and downward rotation of both innominates at week 39 was observed from that at gestation week 28. Decreased internal, anterior, and downward rotation of both innominates at week 4 after child birth was observed compared with that at gestation week 39. We report the first case in Japan of changes of pelvic alignment measured using an MRI-based 3D pelvic alignment model during pregnancy and after child birth. This case suggests that the small changes of pubic area and greater separation of anterior portions of sacroiliac joints. Internal, anterior, and downward rotation of both innominates was observed in a Japanese primipara woman having no pelvic pain.

Pelvic Ring Fracture Management and Subsequent Pregnancy: A Summary of Current Literature

“…Most of the data present explores pelvic changes in patients without this history. A case study by Sakamoto et al 8 documented pelvic alignment changes by MRI in a Japanese primipara woman with imaging at 28 weeks estimated gestational age, 39 weeks estimated gestational age, and both 4 and 72 weeks postpartum. The authors demonstrated an increased distance between the posterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis during gestation, which then markedly decreased by 4 weeks postpartum.…”