Yeungnam Univ J Med.  2000 Jun;17(1):93-98. 10.12701/yujm.2000.17.1.93.

Three cases of symphysis pubis separation associated with delivery

• Ahn JH
• Jang YJ
• Lee DH
• Lee YG
• Park YK

• KMID: 2036487
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2000.17.1.93

Abstract

Symphysis pubis separation is an uncommon but not rare complication of delivery. Characteristic symptoms of symphyseal separation include suprapubic pain and tenderness which radiate to the back or legs, difficult ambulation, and bladder dysfunction. Clinical history, presenting symptoms, and response to therapy are sufficient to make the diagnosis, although radiographic documentation of symphyseal separation by x-ray or ultrasound are frequently used to confirm the diagnosis. The underlying etiology of symptomatic symphyseal separation has not been fully elucidated. Associations with macrosomia, pathological joint loosening, and increased force placed on the pelvic ring have been suggested as possible etiologies. Conservative therapy, including bed rest, pelvic binders, ambulation devices, and mild analgesics usually result in complete recovery within 4-16 weeks. Our experience of three cases of peripartum symphysis pubis separation delivered from 1998 to 1999 were reviewed with related articles.

Keyword

Symphisis pubis separation; Pregnancy; Delivery

MeSH Terms

Analgesics
Bed Rest
Diagnosis
Joints
Leg
Peripartum Period
Pregnancy
Ultrasonography
Urinary Bladder
Walking
Analgesics