title: A historical perspective on our understanding of the uterovaginal connective tissue supports.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  : The purpose of this research is to provide a historical perspective on the understanding of uterovaginal connective tissue supports.
  
  
  METHODS
  : Articles were identified by a thorough review of the literature using electronic databases, and by reviewing references cited in articles and bibliographies of gynecologic textbooks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  : Starting from the earliest written reports of connective tissue supports of the uterus and vagina, the development of this body of knowledge is reviewed chronologically. The works of those investigators who have made major contributions to our knowledge are highlighted. In particular, special attention is paid to Drs. Mackenrodt, Bonney, Richardson, DeLancey, and Petros/Ulmsten.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  : An appreciation of the early work by a few key pioneers in the 19th and early 20th centuries can enhance current understanding of the connective tissue supports of the uterus and vagina, and direct future research in urogynecology.
authors.affiliation: From the *Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; †Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH; and ‡Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic, Wooster, OH.
authors.forename: Shunaha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kim-Fine
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Barber
authors.forename: Anthony P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Tizzano
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Walters