Public Symphysis Diastisis
A more severe and related condition is pubic symphysis diastisis in which a degree of separations occurs at the pubic joint and results in an abnormally wide gap between the two pelvic bones.
Presenting features
- the patient presents with severe pubic pain & disability- often presents to the clinic wheel-chair bound or partial weight bearing with the use of crutches
- patients report great difficulty with standing or walking, often having to relocate to a downstairs level at home (stairs are impossible)
- discomfort with sitting, side-lying positions, turning over in bed and reports a feeling of the pubic bones “splitting open”
- earlier pregnancies may have reported no symptoms or varying degrees of SIJ/pelvic, groin pain or pubic symphysis problems
Diagnosis of pubic symphysis diastisis can be assisted by performing a Flamingo view X-ray which is used to measure the degree of separation at the pubic symphysis.
Treatment and Management
This condition is best treated within a multidisciplinary team of specialists made up of medical doctors and physiotherapists with the knowledge and interest in treating complex pelvic and pubic symphysis instability.
At Spinal Synergy Physiotherapy we are able to draw on our network of doctors and physiotherapists with an interest in this condition. Positive outcomes are achievable if the appropriate intervention is provided.
