Subject specific finite element modelling of the levator ani.

Understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the levator ani is important to the assessment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Whilst shape modelling allows the depiction of 3D morphological variation of the levator ani between different patient groups, it is insufficient to determine the underlying behaviour of how the muscle deforms during contraction and strain. The purpose of this study is to perform a subject specific finite element analysis of the levator ani with open access magnetic resonance imaging. The method is based on a Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic model and permits dynamic study of subjects under natural physiological loadings. The value of the proposed modelling framework is demonstrated with dynamic 3D data from nulliparous, female subjects.