Shape Changes in Midsagittal Sacrum and Coccyx Shape During Pregnancy
and After Delivery: Main Research Article
Abstract
Objective The shape of the sacrum-coccyx was defined and compared in
nulliparous, pregnant, and parous women to provide insight into
anatomical adaptations that afford vaginal delivery. Design A
retrospective study comparing midsagittal anatomical measurements based
on MRI of the sacrum and coccyx from 63 subjects. Setting Magee-Womens
Research Institute and Northshore University HealthSystem. Population 23
nulliparous, 14 pregnant, and 26 parous women who had an MRI taken that
included the necessary bony anatomy. Methods Twelve measurements were
taken on scans between the ages of 20 and 49 that had a pelvic MRI scan
with or without contrast were analyzed. Subjects were categorized based
on parity and gravidity. Main Outcome Measures Length, angles, and
curvature indices describing midsagittal sacrum and coccyx shape Results
Overall pregnant women had a significantly straighter and more
posteriorly oriented coccyx when compared to nulliparous women. This was
reflected by a change in 3 measures at the univariate level. The
coccygeal curvature index was higher in pregnant (89.2 10.0) women
relative to nulliparous (78.7 6.6, p=0.003) and parous (80.0 5.5,
p=0.004) women. The sacrococcygeal curvature index and sacrococcygeal
angle also increased in the pregnant as compared to the nulliparous
group (73.3 5.8 versus 79.2 3.7, p=0.016; 92.8 10.9 versus
109.3 9.4, p=0.002, respectively) with no difference between
pregnant and parous groups for these measurements. Conclusions
Pregnancy-induced posterior motion of the coccyx, which allowed for the
combined sacrum-coccyx shape to straighten, effectively widens the
obstetric outlet for vaginal delivery.