J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2001 Oct;36(5):473-478.

Diastasis of the Symphysis Pubis after Delivery

• Moon WN
• Han JY
• Oh HJ
• Suh SW

Abstract

PURPOSE
The objectives of this study are to observe the clinical characteristics, outcome of treatment and incidence of diastasis of the symphysis pubis after delivery and to evaluate the risk factors of the lesion.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seventy-six patients diagnosed with diastasis of the symphysis pubis were reviewed. The diagnostic criteria of diastasis were; 1) positive signs and symptoms of pelvic instability, 2) radiological evidence of widening of the symphysis pubis by more than 6 mm and/or vertical mobility of more than 3 mm, or widening of the sacroiliac joint by more than 4 mm. Several factors that increase the risk of this lesion during delivery were reviewed and analyzed using the chi-square test, t-test, and by logistic regression.
RESULTS
Seventy-six diastasis of the symphysis pubis were diagnosed in 24,089 deliveries during the study period. Joint widening ranged from 3 mm to 34 mm. Twenty-three cases had accompanying vertical mobility. Pain in the pelvic joint and walking difficulty were most common clinical characteristics. History of pelvic girdle relaxation during pregnancy was found to increase the risk of the lesion (P=0.0028).
CONCLUSION
We found that a history of pelvic girdle relaxation during pregnancy was a risk factor of diastasis of the symphysis pubis after delivery. Early detection and satisfying results by optimal treatment are associated with recognizing the lesion's characteristic clinical findings.

Keyword

Symphysis pubis; Diastasis; Delivery; Risk factors; Pelvic girdle relaxation

MeSH Terms

Humans
Incidence
Joints
Logistic Models
Pregnancy
Relaxation
Risk Factors
Sacroiliac Joint
Walking