Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2012, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (26): 4852-4856.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2012.26.020

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A finite element method for the simulation of levator ani muscle stress under different conditions

Song Hong-fang1, Huang Yue1, Ni Cheng-xiang2, Lei Ling-ling2, Wang Xue-ying2, Liu Zhi-cheng1, Ma Le2   

  1. 1School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China;
    2Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100006, China
  • Received:2011-11-16 Revised:2011-12-20 Online:2012-06-24 Published:2013-11-02
  • Contact: Liu Zhi-cheng, Professor, Doctoral supervisor, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China zcliu@ccmu.edu.cn Ma Le, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100006, China malef@163bj.com
  • About author:Song Hong-fang☆, Studying for doctorate, Associate professor, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China songhf@ccmu.edu.cn

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There are unique advantages to understand muscles and skeletons of the pelvic floor by building the finite element model to analyze its biomechanical mechanism.
OBJECTIVE: To build the finite element model of the m. levator ani and to analyze its stress distribution in a number of conditions to provide reference for further understanding pelvic floor dysfunction in terms of mechanics.
METHODS: The geometry structure of the m. levator ani was reconstructed based on magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic floor using the medical imaging software MIMICS and the stress distribution of the m. levator ani was simulated using the finite element method.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The maximum stress position was the same in any condition. When the active contraction pressure of the m. levator ani was zero its maximum stress was lowest in rest condition, but when the active contraction pressure of the m. levator ani was highest its maximum stress was also highest in severe tension condition. High abdominal pressure will produce high stress in the m. levator ani for the seven conditions and is easy to damage the m. levator ani.

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