ABSTRACT
Objective To measure in vivo biomechanical properties of pelvic support structures associated with uterosacral ligament suspension(ULS). Methods Ten Chinese female cadavers(death within 48 hours)without embalming were carefully dissected to expose the ligament. After dissection, ligaments were sewn according to standard ULS surgical technique. They were stretched at a steady rate to breakage during constant electronic registration of load and displacement. In vivo biomechanical properties were evaluated by a load-displacement curve. Results Ultimate load of uterosacral ligament, ring around cervix were(37.3±23.5),(49.3±28.4)N, respectively. The differences between the two groups was not significant(P>0.05). Ligament stiffness were(1.26±1.22),(1.45±0.92)N/mm, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups(P>0.05). Conclusions The uterosacral ligament, ring around cervix with sufficient strength are not easy to deform. ULS is an effective procedure for treating middle pelvic defects from a biomechanics perspective.