Severe separation of the pubic symphysis and prompt orthopedic surgical intervention

Gena C. Dunivan, Ashley M. Hickman, AnnaMarie Connolly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence of pubic symphysis separation during delivery is 1 in 300 to 1 in 30,000 pregnancies, and it can cause a variety of problems such as pain, bladder dysfunction, and difficulty ambulating. There is no consensus on how to treat pregnancy-related pubic symphyseal separation. CASE: A patient, gravida 1 para 1, who underwent vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery was found to have a severe vaginal sidewall laceration and a 6.2-cm symphyseal disruption. The patient was treated with external fixation of an open book pelvis and physical therapy. She was discharged to home on postpartum day 4, voiding spontaneously and ambulatory with a walker. CONCLUSION: Aggressive treatment of severe pubic symphysis separation with external fixation resulted in early ability to ambulate, void, and care for self and baby.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)473-475
Number of pages3
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume114
Issue number2 PART 2 SUPPL.
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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