Diastasis recti

As a diastasis recti ( altgr. διἀστασις diastasis "space", " distance" ) describes the divergence of the Standing straight abdominal muscles ( recti abdominis Mm. ) in the linea alba. It can be observed as a congenital abnormality or acquired. Today in Germany, a diastasis recti applies over two inches as pathological findings.

Expression and causes

A diastasis recti is usually 2-10 cm wide and 12-15 cm long; in extreme cases, but also a width of up to 30 cm have been observed. The gap is usually most pronounced in the area of the navel. Since there is the rectus sheath nurmehr from the front sheet from the arcuate line, it comes above the navel frequent in occurrence of diastasis recti.

This mainly affects women; often the diastasis recti is a result of pregnancy and childbirth, especially after multiple births. Possible causes of the acquired form, for example, overweight ( obesity) or hard pressing such as during childbirth or chronic constipation ( constipation).

A physiological diastasis recti is also caused by a normal pregnancy from about the fifth month of pregnancy, then the column can gradually decrease with time, usually within a few months after birth. Until then, should be dispensed with direct effort. Women are advised to perform under the guidance of the postpartum period and in the subsequent time on exercises for the prevention of postnatal exercises, in which first the cross and also the obliques and the long abdominal muscles are strengthened later.

Symptoms

The muscles of the abdominal wall is at magnification of diastasis recti increasingly insufficient because on the one hand, the lever arm of the Mm. recti abdominis in stronger splaying is increasingly unfavorable and, secondly, the lateral oblique abdominal muscles lose their necessary preload. Due to the insufficiency of the abdominal wall leads to a deterioration of the abdominal muscles, since the necessary intra-abdominal pressure can no longer be established.

The diastasis recti predisposed in addition to abdominal wall fractures. Especially after surgical procedures in the abdomen, the incidence of incisional hernias is increased.

Diagnosis

The diastasis recti can be palpated while lying down, when the patient is lying on his back raises his head. When lifting the upper body is also put on the viscera forward. The trend can also be recognizable standing a deepening of the umbilical region. In slim people a diastasis recti in abdominal pressure as a bulging of the abdomen is visible in this area.

The diastasis recti must be distinguished from an abdominal wall hernia. In addition to the clinical examination, especially ultrasonography, CT and MRI for the diagnosis come into consideration.

Treatment

A diastasis recti can be improved possibly in their symptoms by physiotherapy exercises ( " Exercises Angela Heller ").

An indication for surgery ( the " gathering of the rectus sheath ") consists in continuing complaints that are caused by the relaxation of the abdominal muscles failing.