Prevalence and risk factors for diastasis recti abdominis: a review and proposal of a new anatomical variation

Abstract

Purpose Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) or rectus diastasis is an acquired condition in which the rectus muscles are separated by an abnormal distance along their length, but with no fascia defect. To data there is no consensus about risk factors for DRA. The aim of this article is to critically review the literature about prevalence and risk factor of DRA. Method A total of 13 papers were identified. Results The real prevalence of DRA is unknown because the prevalence rate varies with measurement method, measurement site and judgment criteria, but it is certainly an extremely frequent condition. Numbers of parity, BMI, diabetes are the most plausible risk factors. We identified a new anatomical variation in cadaveric dissection and in abdominal CT image evaluation: along the semilunar line the internal oblique aponeurosis could join the rectus sheath with only a posterior layer, so without a double layer (anterior and posterior) as usually described. We conducted a retrospective review of abdominal CT images and the presence of the posterior insertion only could be considered as a risk factor for DRA. Conclusion Further studies with large sample size, including nulliparous, primiparous, pluriparous and men too, are necessary for identify the real prevalence

Prevalence of Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Females with Respect to Their Stage and Status of Pregnancy

“…Diastasis recti abdominis is a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle (9), in the midline at the linea Alba, which cover the front surface of the belly area. The diastasis may be acute or severe and sometimes causing in abdominal viscera's herniation when this condition is severe, (10) the abdominal wall consist only of a layer of a skin periosteum and attenuated fascia. We believe that a large diastasis recti abdominis may harm any of the function of the abdominal wall including its role in respiration; trunk flexion; trunk stability; posture; delivery of fetus; trunk rotation and side bending.…”

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA): review of risk factors, diagnostic methods, conservative and surgical treatment

“…Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is an acquired condition defined as an increase in width of the linea alba [1,2]. Thinning, widening and protruding of the linea alba follow an increase in intra-abdominal pressure.…”

“…Thinning, widening and protruding of the linea alba follow an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. It is combined with laxity of the ventral abdominal musculature [2,3]. Two bellies of the rectus abdominis are separated along the midline of linea alba by an abnormal distance, but with no facia defect (Fig.…”

“…Two bellies of the rectus abdominis are separated along the midline of linea alba by an abnormal distance, but with no facia defect (Fig. 1) [2,4]. It is debatable whether DRA is to be considered a pathological condition or a natural part of aging [2].…”

Letter to the editor: An ultrasound observation study on the levator hiatus with or without diastasis recti abdominis in postpartum women?

“…In their study, they stated that DRA is expected to more easily occur among leaner women because of the protective effects bestowed by abdominal wall fat, though in their study they found slightly increased body weight in the DRA group compared to the non-DRA group. However, we reviewed a few studies discussing risk factors of DRA, and most stated that obesity increases the risk of DRA [2][3][4]. The higher the BMI is, the higher the risk of DRA.…”