What is arcus tendineus fascia pelvis?

Arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP) is a fibrous band of tissue that spans the pelvic cavity in both men and women. It is also known as the white line of Hilton and is located just below the pelvic brim. The ATFP is an important landmark in pelvic surgery as it separates the supralevator (above the muscle) and sublevator (below the muscle) spaces. It also serves as an attachment site for the pelvic floor muscles, including the levator ani, obturator internus, and coccygeus muscles. Dysfunction or damage to the ATFP can result in pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Surgical procedures such as prolapse repair and sling surgery may involve the manipulation or repair of the ATFP.