Spontaneous Obstetric Pubic Symphysis Diastasis: Presentation and Management Strategies

Johnbosco Emmanuel Mamah¹, Chigozie Geoffrey Okafor^2, , Chichetaram Ruth Otu¹ and Chidinma Charity Okafor³

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria

²Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria

³Department of Psychiatry, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom

Cite this paper

Johnbosco Emmanuel Mamah, Chigozie Geoffrey Okafor, Chichetaram Ruth Otu and Chidinma Charity Okafor. Spontaneous Obstetric Pubic Symphysis Diastasis: Presentation and Management Strategies. American Journal of Clinical Medicine Research. 2023; 11(2):25-28. doi: 10.12691/AJCMR-11-2-1

Abstract

Obstetric pubic diastasis is a rare but significant complication that can occur during childbirth. This literature review explores the existing body of knowledge on obstetric pubic diastasis, including its incidence, risk factors, aetiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, management strategies, and outcomes. By examining the available literature, we aim to enhance our understanding of this condition and provide insights into its optimal management. During pregnancy and childbirth, there is a physiologic widening of the pubic symphysis; these changes are often reversible postpartum. Abnormal separation of the pubic symphysis (pubic symphysis diastasis- PSD) due to ligamentous rupture is an infrequent complication of labor and delivery that may impair the parturient general health and lead to a problematic puerperium. Postpartum pelvic pain is often ascribed to labor and childbirth; hence the diagnosis of pubic diastasis might be delayed and sometimes missed altogether. In this article, we discuss the presenting features, aetiopathogenesis, the management of the condition, and outcomes of obstetric pubic diastasis. Awareness of this condition is crucial for early recognition and appropriate treatment to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Ultimately, conservative management, including analgesics, physical therapy, and activity modification, is generally effective in achieving favorable outcomes.

Keywords

diastasis, pubic symphysis, spontaneous obstetric diastasis, vaginal delivery

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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