title: Pelvic floor function/dysfunction and electrodiagnostic evaluation.
abstract: The pelvic floor provides support for the bladder, rectum, and genital systems, as well as proper positioning and orientation of the urethral and anal sphincters. Impairment may result in prolapse, urinary and fecal incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. The impact is enormous in terms of personal, social, and financial burden. Pertinent anatomy is presented, followed by an overview of available electrodiagnostic techniques and a description of pudendal nerve conduction studies, sacral reflex testing and selected electromyographic techniques. Clinical applications are discussed throughout the text and the need for further research is addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D008160:Lumbosacral Plexus / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011391:Prolapse; D012007:Rectum / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology; D014521:Urethra / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology