The normal width of the linea alba in nulliparous women
Top Cited Papers
- 7 August 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Clinical Anatomy
- Vol. 22 (6), 706-711
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ca.20836
Abstract
The function of the linea alba is to maintain the abdominal muscles at a certain proximity to each other. In the case of long-lasting increased intra-abdominal pressure, the linea alba widens. Yet, as the existence of the linea a priori implicates a physiological distance between the two rectus muscles, the question arises as to what the normal width of the linea alba is. To evaluate the normal width of the linea alba, we examined 150 nulliparous women between 20 and 45 years of age with a body mass index < 30 kg m−2 by ultrasound at three reference points: the origin at the xiphoid and 3 cm above and 2 cm below the umbilicus. The examination revealed a broad range of widths at the three reference points. The linea was widest at 3 cm above the umbilicus (−35 mm), followed by the reference point 2 cm below the umbilicus (−31 mm) and the origin at the xiphoid (−31 mm). The mean width was 7 ± 5 mm at the xiphoid and 13 ± 7 mm above and 8 ± 6 mm below the umbilicus. For the definition of the normal width of the linea, the 10th and 90th percentiles were taken. The linea alba can be considered “normal” up to a width of 15 mm at the xiphoid, up to 22 mm at the reference point 3 cm above the umbilicus and up to 16 mm at the reference point 2 cm below the umbilicus in nulliparous women. Clin. Anat. 22:706–711, 2009.Keywords
This publication has 17 references indexed in Scilit:
- Diastasis Recti: Clinical AnatomyPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2008
- Anisotropy of human linea alba: A biomechanical studyJournal of Surgical Research, 2005
- An Aesthetic Classification of the Abdomen Based on the Myoaponeurotic LayerPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2001
- Iatrogenic Parotid Sialocele following Rhytidectomy: Diagnosis and TreatmentPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2001
- Collagen Fibers in Linea Alba and Rectus Sheaths: II. Variability and Biomechanical AspectsJournal of Surgical Research, 2001
- Nylon versus Polydioxanone in the Correction of Rectus DiastasisPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2001
- Should Diastasis Recti Be Corrected?Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 1997
- The abdominal linea alba: an anatomo-radiologic and biomechanical studySurgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 1996
- Musculoaponeurotic plication in abdominoplasty: How durable are its effects?Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 1995
- “Staying Power”—Absorbable vs. NonabsorbablePlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1981