Uterine Displacement

a deviation from the normal position of the uterus in the lesser pelvis.

The displacement of the uterus may be forward, backward, or lateral (right or left). With uterine anteflexion, the angle between the body and cervix of the uterus is acute (ordinarily, it is no less than 90°) and open to the front. Such displacement may be congenital or the result of inflammation or inadequate ovarian function. Women suffering from uterine displacement frequently complain of painful menstruation and are often sterile. If pregnancy occurs, the fetus may be aborted because of poorly developed uterine musculature. With flexion to the side, the angle between the cervix and body of the uterus opens to the right or left; with retroflexion, the angle between the body and cervix opens to the rear. Sideward and backward flexion often result from the formation of adhesions (after inflammation in the abdominal cavity) that displace the uterus. Because of inflammation in the abdominal cavity, uterine ligaments, and tissue of the lesser pelvis, the body of the uterus shifts to one side and the cervix to the other. The obtuse angle between the body and cervix may flatten. In old women, retroflexion may occur after the uterus atrophies and its tone decreases. Supportive therapy, hormones, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery are recommended for treatment, depending on the cause of the displacement.