Clinical and neurofunctional features of genital prolapse in women aged 35-45 years with radiological signs of non-fusion of the posterior lumbosacral vertebral elements
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Genital prolapse in women aged 35-45 years may be accompanied by anatomical and functional pelvic floor abnormalities. The clinical significance of radiological non-fusion of the posterior lumbosacral vertebral elements in these patients remains insufficiently studied. Aim - to characterize the clinical and neurofunctional features of genital prolapse in women aged 35-45 years with radiological signs of non-fusion at L5-S1/S1-S2. Materials and methods. This prospective comparative observational study included 65 women with stage I-III genital prolapse. Group 1 comprised 20 women with stage I-II prolapse and radiological non-fusion at L5-S1/S1-S2; Group 2 included 15 women with stage III prolapse and similar radiological findings; Group 3 included 30 women without these radiological signs. Assessment included the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, perineal ultrasound, functional pelvic floor electromyographic (EMG) assessment, clinical evaluation of the bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR), sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and psychoemotional status using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results. Abnormal EMG patterns, impaired neuromuscular response, weakened BCR, and reduced pelvic floor muscle tone were more frequent in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3. Total FSFI scores were lower in women with radiological changes and lowest in Group 2. Anxiety and depressive manifestations were also more frequent in Group 2, although not all between-group differences reached statistical significance. Conclusions. Radiological non-fusion at L5-S1/S1-S2 in women with genital prolapse was associated with a higher frequency of functional pelvic floor abnormalities. These findings do not establish a neurogenic etiology of prolapse but support extended functional assessment and, when clinically indicated, neurological evaluation. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki; all participants provided written informed consent. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Authors: A.D. Vitiuk, V.V. Gonchar, K.V. Honchar
Institution: Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine
Language: English
Subfield: Urology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7212428397