Diastasis of rectus abdominis muscles: patterns of anatomical variation as demonstrated by ultrasound

Abstract

Purpose:The aim of our study was to categorise the anatomical variations of rectus abdominis muscle diastasis (dia stasis recti) by using ultrasound (US). Material and methods:In a oneyear period 92 women were evaluated with US because of suspected diastasis of rectus muscles. Patients were examined in a supine position, with head extended, upper limbs aligned to the trunk, and knees flexed. US was performed with highfrequency, broadband transducers. Trapezoid fieldofview and extend ed fieldofview were employed to measure diastasis exceeding 5 cm. Diastasis was defined as a margintomargin distance > 20 mm at rest and classified according to the following anatomical patterns: open only above the navel, open only below the navel, open at the navel level, open completely but wider above the navel, and open completely but wider below the navel. Results: Diastasis was found in 82 patients (3061 years old, mean age 35 years). The width was 2197 mm, mean 39 mm. The prevalence and severity of the anatomical patterns was as follows: open only above the navel in 48 pa tients (2188 mm, mean 40 mm), open only below the navel in one patient (33 mm), open at the navel level in seven patients (2339 mm, mean 34 mm), open completely but wider above the navel in 24 patients (2197 mm, mean 41 mm), open completely but wider below the navel in two patients (2129 mm, mean 25 mm). Conclusions:The abovenavel patterns of recti muscle diastasis are the most common. Even when open completely, diastasis is usually wider above the navel. Knowledge of the anatomical type of rectus muscle diastasis could be of value to the patient (exercises to do and to avoid) and to the surgeon (abdominoplasty planning).

Calcific tendinopathy of supraspinatus tendon in elite volleyball players: A point-of-care ultrasound diagnosis

“…The bursa is a reactive tissue, and this external mechanical stimulus may initiate a response of inflammatory factors, leading to shoulder pain. Our case had repeated repetitive overuse activities (Corvino A et al, 2019).…”

Synchronous tumours detected during cancer patient staging: prevalence and patterns of occurrence in multidetector computed tomography

“…To date, there is no universal diagnostic technique with overall oncologic accuracy, neither are there diagnostic guidelines to detect synchronous MPMs [6]. The choice between CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and even ultrasound (US) depends on the tumour type or body region [19,20].…”

Avoidance and Correction of Deformities in Body Contouring

“…Rectus diastasis is characterized by aponeurotic laxity of the linea alba as a result of chronic distention or congenital weakness of the abdominal wall. 79 Most frequently, rectus diastasis presents as a centrally located epigastric bulge in a patient with a history of truncal obesity or pregnancy; however, patients can present with abdominal pain or discomfort, back pain, or urogynecological symptoms in rare cases. 79,80 Plication of the rectus sheath is the gold standard treatment for rectus diastasis.…”

“…79 Most frequently, rectus diastasis presents as a centrally located epigastric bulge in a patient with a history of truncal obesity or pregnancy; however, patients can present with abdominal pain or discomfort, back pain, or urogynecological symptoms in rare cases. 79,80 Plication of the rectus sheath is the gold standard treatment for rectus diastasis. There are several techniques that may be employed for rectus diastasis repair, though plastic surgeons typically use an open approach (via abdominoplasty) and plicate the anterior rectus sheath.…”