Pelvimetry (/pɛlˈvɪmɪtri/) is a medical term used to measure the pelvis of a woman to evaluate the size of the birth canal. The word can be broken down into three parts: pelv- (referring to the pelvis), -metry (referring to the process of measuring), and the middle syllable "-i-" connecting both. The pronunciation of this word follows the stress pattern of many English medical terms, with the primary stress on the second syllable. Spelling of this word follows regular English phonetics with one exception, "m" at the end of a word is usually pronounced "em" but in pelvimetry, it is pronounced "uh" for the ease of pronunciation.
Pelvimetry is a medical technique that involves the measurement and assessment of the female pelvis, particularly its dimensions and capacity, to determine its suitability for normal vaginal childbirth or the need for medical intervention during delivery. It is derived from the Latin term "pelvis" which refers to the bony structure at the base of the spine that forms the framework of the hips, and "metry" which signifies the act of measuring.
Pelvimetry is typically conducted by qualified healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians or midwives, using either manual or imaging techniques. Manual pelvimetry involves palpating and measuring the external bony landmarks of the pelvis, such as the iliac crests and pubic symphysis, to estimate its shape, size, and capacity. Alternatively, imaging pelvimetry utilizes medical imaging technologies, such as X-rays, MRI, or computed tomography (CT) scans, to obtain more accurate and detailed measurements of the pelvic dimensions.
The information obtained through pelvimetry is vital in obstetric care, as it helps assess the potential risks and challenges associated with vaginal childbirth, such as the likelihood of cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), which occurs when the fetal head is too large or the maternal pelvis is too narrow for successful vaginal delivery. Based on the results of pelvimetry, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding the mode of delivery, whether vaginal or cesarean section, and develop appropriate management plans to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Measurement of the diameters of the pelvis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pelvimetry" is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: "pelvis" and "metrum".
The Latin word "pelvis" refers to the basin-shaped structure in the skeletal system of vertebrates. It specifically refers to the bony structure located between the abdomen and the lower limbs, which includes the hip bones.
The suffix "-metry" comes from the Greek word "metron", meaning "measurement". It is commonly used to denote the act or process of measuring.
Therefore, "pelvimetry" can be understood as the act or process of measuring the dimensions or structure of the pelvis, which is particularly relevant in medical contexts related to childbirth and obstetrics to assess the suitability of the pelvic region for a safe delivery.