Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-r7xzm Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-28T15:29:26.061Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Pubic symphysis separation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2002

Kelly Owens
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds
Anne Pearson
Affiliation:
Department of Physiotherapy, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds
Gerald Mason
Affiliation:
Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds

Abstract

Musculoskeletal complaints are a common source of antenatal and peripartum morbidity, yet are frequently dismissed by healthcare professionals. Although increasing pelvic laxity is thought to be physiological as pregnancy advances, a number of women develop pain and disability out of proportion to the degree of joint distension. The term ‘symphysis pubis dysfunction’ is one of the many used to describe the constellation of typical symptoms and signs. (Table 1) The first formal documentation of the condition is accredited to Snelling in 1870. “The affection appears to consist of a relaxation of the pelvic articulations, becoming apparent suddenly after parturition, or gradually during pregnancy; and permitting of a degree of mobility of the pelvic bones which effectively hinders locomotion, and gives rise to the most peculiar, distressing and alarming sensations.” Although dated his description still provides a succinct description of the condition.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2002 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)