Symphysis pubis dysfunction: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Symphysis_Pubis.png|thumb|Symphysis_Pubis.png]] '''Symphysis pubis dysfunction''' (SPD) is a condition that causes excessive movement of the [[pubic symphysis]], a joint located at the front of the pelvis, and associated pain. It is commonly seen in [[pregnancy]] and can significantly impact a person's mobility and quality of life.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Symphysis pubis dysfunction
| image          = [[File:Symphysis_Pubis.png|250px]]
| caption        = Diagram of the pelvis showing the location of the symphysis pubis
| field          = [[Obstetrics]]
| synonyms        = Pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction
| symptoms        = [[Pelvic pain]], pain during movement, difficulty walking
| onset          = [[Pregnancy]]
| duration        = Varies, often resolves postpartum
| causes          = Hormonal changes, mechanical stress on the pelvis
| risks          = Previous pelvic injury, multiple pregnancies
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical examination]], [[Ultrasound]]
| differential    = [[Sciatica]], [[Hip osteoarthritis]], [[Sacroiliac joint dysfunction]]
| treatment      = [[Physical therapy]], [[Pain management]], [[Pelvic support belt]]
| medication      = [[Analgesics]], [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]
| frequency      = Common in pregnancy
}}
'''Symphysis pubis dysfunction''' (SPD) is a condition that causes excessive movement of the [[pubic symphysis]], a joint located at the front of the pelvis, and associated pain. It is commonly seen in [[pregnancy]] and can significantly impact a person's mobility and quality of life.
== Anatomy ==
== Anatomy ==
The [[pubic symphysis]] is a cartilaginous joint that sits between the left and right [[pubic bones]]. It is connected by a fibrocartilaginous disc and is reinforced by several ligaments, including the superior pubic ligament and the inferior pubic ligament. This joint allows for slight movement to accommodate various physiological processes, such as [[childbirth]].
The [[pubic symphysis]] is a cartilaginous joint that sits between the left and right [[pubic bones]]. It is connected by a fibrocartilaginous disc and is reinforced by several ligaments, including the superior pubic ligament and the inferior pubic ligament. This joint allows for slight movement to accommodate various physiological processes, such as [[childbirth]].
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
SPD is often caused by the hormonal changes that occur during [[pregnancy]], particularly the release of the hormone [[relaxin]]. Relaxin increases the elasticity of the ligaments in the pelvis, allowing for greater movement of the pubic symphysis. Other contributing factors may include previous pelvic trauma, [[hypermobile joints]], and [[multiple pregnancies]].
SPD is often caused by the hormonal changes that occur during [[pregnancy]], particularly the release of the hormone [[relaxin]]. Relaxin increases the elasticity of the ligaments in the pelvis, allowing for greater movement of the pubic symphysis. Other contributing factors may include previous pelvic trauma, [[hypermobile joints]], and [[multiple pregnancies]].
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The primary symptom of SPD is pain in the pelvic region, which can radiate to the lower back, hips, and thighs. The pain is often exacerbated by activities that involve weight-bearing on one leg, such as walking, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed. Some individuals may also experience a clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvic area.
The primary symptom of SPD is pain in the pelvic region, which can radiate to the lower back, hips, and thighs. The pain is often exacerbated by activities that involve weight-bearing on one leg, such as walking, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed. Some individuals may also experience a clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvic area.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of SPD is typically based on a clinical examination and the patient's reported symptoms. Imaging studies, such as [[ultrasound]] or [[MRI]], may be used to rule out other conditions and to assess the extent of the joint separation.
Diagnosis of SPD is typically based on a clinical examination and the patient's reported symptoms. Imaging studies, such as [[ultrasound]] or [[MRI]], may be used to rule out other conditions and to assess the extent of the joint separation.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for SPD focuses on managing symptoms and may include:
Treatment for SPD focuses on managing symptoms and may include:
* [[Physical therapy]]: Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, abdominal, and hip muscles.
* [[Physical therapy]]: Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, abdominal, and hip muscles.
* [[Pain management]]: Use of pain relief medications, such as [[acetaminophen]] or [[nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs).
* [[Pain management]]: Use of pain relief medications, such as [[acetaminophen]] or [[nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs).
* [[Supportive devices]]: Wearing a pelvic support belt to stabilize the joint.
* [[Supportive devices]]: Wearing a pelvic support belt to stabilize the joint.
* [[Lifestyle modifications]]: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms and practicing good posture.
* [[Lifestyle modifications]]: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms and practicing good posture.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered, although this is rare.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered, although this is rare.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for SPD varies. Many individuals experience significant improvement postpartum as hormone levels return to normal and the ligaments regain their pre-pregnancy tension. However, some may continue to experience symptoms for several months or longer.
The prognosis for SPD varies. Many individuals experience significant improvement postpartum as hormone levels return to normal and the ligaments regain their pre-pregnancy tension. However, some may continue to experience symptoms for several months or longer.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Pelvic girdle pain]]
* [[Pelvic girdle pain]]
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* [[Relaxin (hormone)]]
* [[Relaxin (hormone)]]
* [[Physical therapy]]
* [[Physical therapy]]
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Symphysis pubis dysfunction}}
{{Commons category|Symphysis pubis dysfunction}}
[[Category:Pregnancy complications]]
[[Category:Pregnancy complications]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]]
[[Category:Pelvic disorders]]
[[Category:Pelvic disorders]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
{{medicine-stub}}
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 18:04, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Symphysis pubis dysfunction
Synonyms Pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Pelvic pain, pain during movement, difficulty walking
Complications N/A
Onset Pregnancy
Duration Varies, often resolves postpartum
Types N/A
Causes Hormonal changes, mechanical stress on the pelvis
Risks Previous pelvic injury, multiple pregnancies
Diagnosis Clinical examination, Ultrasound
Differential diagnosis Sciatica, Hip osteoarthritis, Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Prevention N/A
Treatment Physical therapy, Pain management, Pelvic support belt
Medication Analgesics, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common in pregnancy
Deaths N/A


Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a condition that causes excessive movement of the pubic symphysis, a joint located at the front of the pelvis, and associated pain. It is commonly seen in pregnancy and can significantly impact a person's mobility and quality of life.

Anatomy[edit]

The pubic symphysis is a cartilaginous joint that sits between the left and right pubic bones. It is connected by a fibrocartilaginous disc and is reinforced by several ligaments, including the superior pubic ligament and the inferior pubic ligament. This joint allows for slight movement to accommodate various physiological processes, such as childbirth.

Causes[edit]

SPD is often caused by the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, particularly the release of the hormone relaxin. Relaxin increases the elasticity of the ligaments in the pelvis, allowing for greater movement of the pubic symphysis. Other contributing factors may include previous pelvic trauma, hypermobile joints, and multiple pregnancies.

Symptoms[edit]

The primary symptom of SPD is pain in the pelvic region, which can radiate to the lower back, hips, and thighs. The pain is often exacerbated by activities that involve weight-bearing on one leg, such as walking, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed. Some individuals may also experience a clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvic area.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of SPD is typically based on a clinical examination and the patient's reported symptoms. Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions and to assess the extent of the joint separation.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for SPD focuses on managing symptoms and may include:

In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered, although this is rare.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for SPD varies. Many individuals experience significant improvement postpartum as hormone levels return to normal and the ligaments regain their pre-pregnancy tension. However, some may continue to experience symptoms for several months or longer.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

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