[Clinical anatomic study on ischial spinous fascia fixation].
OBJECTIVE
The study was to explore the safety, firmness and convenience of the fascia around the ischial spine as a new fixation site for the vaginal fornix.


METHODS
Between June 2007 and January 2008, detailed dissections and related measurements of the regions around the ischial spine were performed on 10 Chinese female cadavers (3 unembalmed and 7 embalmed cadavers). At the same time, the sacrospinous ligament, the fascia on the ischial spine, the iliococcygeus fascia as well as the vaginal fornix were exposed and the pull-out strength sequentially tested using a digital push-pull force gauge.


RESULTS
The fascia on the ischial spine was firm and strong, with a thickness of 3 about mm. No major vessels or nerves were observed on the ischial spine. The greatest pullout strengths of the sacrospinous ligament, the fascia on the ischial spine, the iliococcygeus fascia as well as the vaginal fornix were (102 +/- 26), (64 +/- 15), (33 +/- 8) and (32 +/- 6) N, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The fascia at 1 cm from anterior lateral ischial spine, free of major vessels and nerves, is safe and strong and could be used as a new site for suspension in vaginal prolapse.
Zhang
Qing-xia
QX
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
Lang
Jing-he
JH
Zhu
Lan
L
Wang
Nai-li
NL
Li
Wen-ting
WT
Kou
Yin-hua
YH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000718:Anatomy, Regional; D002102:Cadaver; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007512:Ischium / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery*