Abstract There is limited epidemiological research evaluating inter-ethnic variability in structural abnormalities identified on pelvic floor ultrasound (PFUS) among women with multi-compartmental pelvic floor disorders. We hypothesised that ethnic variation exists in structural abnormalities observed on PFUS. A retrospective study was conducted using data from 2012 to 2023. Women who underwent both transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) were included. Abnormal findings were recorded, and ethnicity was documented where available. Statistical analysis assessed associations between ethnicity and ultrasound findings, with significance defined as P 0.05. Of 1625 women who underwent TPUS and TVUS, ethnicity was recorded for 850. The ethnic distribution was: Asian (38), Black British (22), Black Other (106), Mixed (24), Other (33), White British (529), and White Other (98). No significant differences were observed in functional abnormalities (for example propulsion and coordination) across ethnic groups. However, structural variations were noted. On TPUS, rectocoele was more prevalent in patients identified as Other and White British; enterocoele was associated with Black British and White British groups. On TVUS, enterocoele was more frequently observed in patients classified as Other ethnicity. No ethnic variability was found for middle compartment prolapse or cystocoele on TPUS, nor for intussusception or bladder neck descent on TVUS. This study indicates that structural abnormalities identified on PFUS may differ between ethnic groups, whereas functional findings appear consistent across populations. These results suggest that ethnicity may influence anatomical presentation in pelvic floor disorders, underscoring the importance of further research into ethnically tailored diagnostic pathways and personalised management strategies.
Gala et al. (2026) studied this question.