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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction from an Orthopedic Perspective: a Review of the Literature

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Abstract

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) describes a broad spectrum of clinical conditions that affect the viscera and musculature of the pelvic cavity. Though musculoskeletal pathologies have been implicated in various forms of PFD, orthopedic surgeons are not routinely consulted for the management of patients with pelvic symptomatology. Muscle dysfunction in PFD can be broadly classified into hypertonic or hypotonic conditions, each with their own associated symptoms. Pelvic musculoskeletal dysfunction may also present differently between males and female given gender differences in pelvic structure. In addition to the standard orthopedic history, physical examination maneuvers may be able to distinguish hip, spine, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction contributing to PFD. For certain etiologies of PFD, non-operative and/or operative orthopedic intervention may help to alleviate functional symptoms such as urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. The available research highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treating PFD that includes orthopedic expertise, as well as the need for further research to assess the impact of orthopedic intervention on concomitant PFD symptoms, develop appropriate surgical indications, and achieve better outcomes for this patient population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA

    Dhruv S. Shankar, Nicholas L. Ramos, Andrew P. Dold, Kimberly A. Cichelli & Thomas Youm

  2. 55 E 86th Street, New York, NY, 10028, USA

    Thomas Youm

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  1. Dhruv S. Shankar
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  2. Nicholas L. Ramos
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Dhruv Shankar was responsible for reviewing the existing literature, drafting over 50% of the manuscript content, drafting the tables, organizing the references, editing and proofreading the final manuscript for grammar and clarity, and completing revisions as requested by the journal. Nicholas Ramos, Andrew Dold, and Thomas Youm (principal investigator) were responsible for conception of the original idea for this manuscript, drafting the manuscript content, and approval of the final manuscript. Kimberly Cichelli was responsible for reviewing the existing literature, drafting the manuscript content, and approving the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Thomas Youm.

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Shankar, D.S., Ramos, N.L., Dold, A.P. et al. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction from an Orthopedic Perspective: a Review of the Literature. SN Compr. Clin. Med. 4, 249 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42399-022-01338-3

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