Perianal anatomy in non-abused preschool children

A K Myhre1, K Bemtzen, D Bratlid

  • 1Department of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim. arne.k.myhre@medisin.ntnu.no

Insights

Perianal anatomy in preschool children shows variations based on gender and examination position. Findings suggest these differences relate to anal muscle structure and tone.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric anatomy
  • Forensic medicine

Background:

  • Normal perianal anatomy in children is not well-defined.
  • Understanding variations is crucial for non-abuse evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Describe normal perianal anatomy in preschool children.
  • Compare findings between left lateral position (LLP) and prone knee-chest position (KCP).

Main Methods:

  • 305 children (103 boys, 202 girls) aged 5.13-6.75 years participated.
  • Anal examinations performed in LLP and KCP using colposcopy and camera.
  • Data analyzed for gender and position differences.

Main Results:

  • Girls showed more venous congestion (LLP) and external anal dilatation (both positions).
  • Boys had more midline depressions and smooth areas (both positions).
  • KCP revealed more external/total anal dilatation, prominent anal verge, and midline smooth areas/depressions.

Conclusions:

  • Significant gender and position-dependent variations in perianal anatomy were observed.
  • These anatomical differences likely stem from variations in anal muscle structure and tone.
Abstract

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