New approach to the urogynecological ultrasound examination.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a new system for the ultrasound evaluation of urethral mobility.


METHODS
We studied the structure of interpubic disc and found landmarks that can be used to align different images and set up an universal system of coordinates. The method for capturing and post-processing of the introital ultrasound examination is described. The urethra in its entire course is evaluated. Ten patients were examined and some important points at the interpubic disc and the urethra were traced to assess the reproducibility of the method.


RESULTS
The mean intra-observer difference for x and y coordinates were 1.88 mm (S.D. 1.53) and 2.00 mm (S.D. 1.54), respectively. The inter-observer difference was 2.30 mm (S.D. 1.64) and 2.50 mm (S.D. 1.79), respectively for x and y coordinates.


CONCLUSIONS
The method shows good inter- and intra-observer correlation and presents data that can be further used for biomechanical analysis.
Otcenasek
Michal
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budinova 2, Prague 8, 18000 Prague, Czech Republic. motcenas@seznam.cz
Halaska
Michael
M
Krcmar
Michal
M
Maresova
Dana
D
Halaska
Michael G
MG
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D015588:Observer Variation; D011630:Pubic Bone; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D014521:Urethra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology