BACKGROUND:

In the presence of severe pelvic pain in a pregnant patient, during childbirth or the immediate puerperium, it is necessary to consider the possibility of a diastasis of the pubic symphysis. It is a rare and underdiagnosed pathology that can be very painful and invalidating and seriously worsens the quality of life. Physical examination shows intense pain at the level of the pubic symphysis that can radiate towards the lower back or both thighs. Definitive diagnosis requires an image test showing a separation between the two pubic bones ≥10 mm. Depending on symptomatology and the degree of separation, it is possible a conservative treatment or surgery, with osteosynthesis and stabilization of the pelvic ring.

CLINICAL CASE:

Patient who experienced intense pelvic pain and incapacity for ambulation and sedation after a eutocic delivery for ambulation and sedestation. After an anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis, a severe diastasis of the pubic symphysis was diagnosed with affectation of the sacroiliac joint and required surgical treatment with a favourable evolution.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mild forms of this condition are underdiagnosed. Delay in diagnosis and treatment involves residual pain and worsens the prognosis of the disease. It is important to keep this diagnosis in mind at the time of the differential diagnosis of pelvic pain in a pregnant or puerperal patient.

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