Age-related shape changes in the obturator internus and levator ani in 27 adult women
In 27 adult women without pelvic floor disorders, a cross-sectional MRI study found age-related shape changes in the obturator internus, a lateral pelvic wall muscle, and in the levator ani, including widening of the levator hiatus. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The study included 27 adult women aged 25 to 83 years with gynecological conditions but without pelvic floor disorders. [1]
Standardized pelvic MRI scans were obtained between April and July 2024 at a single tertiary care center. [1]
Increasing age was associated with a downward shift of the medial surface groove and widening of the levator hiatus. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Cross-sectional study using standardized pelvic MRI scans from a single center.
- Population / context
- 27 adult women aged 25–83 years with gynecological conditions but without pelvic floor disorders, based on clinical assessment and imaging.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- October 19, 2026
Age-related shape of a lateral pelvic wall muscle and the levator ani in 27 adult women
Pelvic floor dysfunction is common in adult women. Besides the levator ani, the obturator internus — a lateral pelvic wall muscle — has been suggested to be linked to pelvic floor morphology. The researchers asked whether the shapes of these two muscles change with age. They studied 27 adult women aged 25 to 83 years who had gynecological conditions but no pelvic floor disorders, based on clinical assessment and imaging.
Supporting source [1]
Standardized MRI scans from one center, analyzed for shape and age
This was a cross-sectional study. Standardized pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained between April and July 2024 at a single tertiary care center. The researchers measured the outline of the obturator internus and the combined shape of the obturator internus and levator ani. They then tested whether shape variation was associated with age.
Supporting source [1]
Older age linked to a lower groove, a more vertical levator ani and a wider levator hiatus
Increasing age was significantly associated with relative narrowing of the superior portion of the obturator internus, a downward shift of its medial surface groove and a more prominent medial eminence. A second analysis showed similar age-related changes: the groove shifted downward, the levator ani became more vertical and the levator hiatus widened. Overall shape variation was significantly related to age. The authors describe coordinated age-related remodeling of both muscles. These are associations in a small cross-sectional sample; they do not show cause, and no clinical outcomes were reported.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. Cross-sectional design with 27 women from one center, all with gynecological conditions and without pelvic floor disorders. Findings are associations, not causes, and no clinical outcomes are reported.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Muro S, Tsuchiya J, Ibara T, Nimura A, Akita K. · europepmc.org · October 19, 2026