Subject specific finite elasticity simulations of the pelvic floor

An anatomically realistic computational model of the pelvic floor and anal canal regions was used in this study to examine the mechanics of normal defecatory function within the female pelvic floor. This subject specific, MRI-based model enabled mechanical simulations to be performed and quantitatively assessed against experimental data retrieved from the same volunteer. The levator ani muscle group mesh was used as the domain over which the governing equations of finite elasticity were solved using the finite element method with a Mooney–Rivlin material law. Deformation of the levator ani was simulated during a ‘bear down’ maneuver in order to visualize the way this muscle group functions in an asymptomatic subject. A pressure of 4 kPa was imposed on the mesh and the computed mesh displacements were compared to those obtained from dynamic MR images with an average, experimentally consistent, downwards displacement of 27.2 mm being achieved. The RMS error for this movement was 0.7 mm equating to a percentage error of 2.6% in the supero-inferior direction and 13.7 mm or 74.5% in the antero-posterior direction.