Beckenkreis

Beckenkreis is a term primarily used in German-speaking countries to describe the pelvic brim, which is the anatomical landmark that delineates the pelvic inlet. This bony ring is formed by the sacral promontory posteriorly, the arcuate lines of the ilia laterally, and the pubic crest and pecten pubis anteriorly. The pelvic brim divides the pelvis into the false pelvis, also known as the greater pelvis, and the true pelvis, or lesser pelvis.

The false pelvis is the superior, wider portion of the pelvic cavity, situated above the pelvic brim. It is largely occupied by abdominal organs, such as the intestines, and plays a role in supporting these organs. The true pelvis is the inferior, narrower portion, located below the pelvic brim. This region contains the organs of the pelvic floor and is crucial for childbirth.

Understanding the dimensions and shape of the pelvic brim is important in obstetrics, as it significantly influences the passage of the fetus during labor. Measurements of the pelvic inlet, based on landmarks of the pelvic brim, help assess the potential for vaginal delivery. Deviations in the pelvic brim's structure can sometimes lead to complications during birth. The concept of the Beckenkreis is a fundamental element in the study of pelvic anatomy and its clinical implications.