DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2707-1146/46/19-27

Natig Suleymanov

Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sport

PhD student

natigsuleymanov@icloud.com

PUBIC SYMPHYSIS. BIBLIOGRAPHIC REVIEW

Abstract

Pubic symphysis, also known as osteitis pubis, is an inflammatory condition of the pubic symphysis, clinically characterized by severe pelvic pain, abnormal gait with the increased base of support, and bone destruction of the pubic symphysis margins.  Initially associated with certain surgical interventions, speculation about its pathogenesis includes infection, trauma, local vascular anomalies, and reflex-sympathetic dystrophy. This confusion about its etiology is reflected in the wide variety of treatments that have been used over the years, including radiation, bed rest for long periods, infiltration with local anesthetics, anti-inflammatories nonsteroidal drugs, antibiotics, heparin, surgical debridement, wedge resection of the pubic symphysis, and autologous iliac bone transplantation. Both bony infection and inflammation of the pubic area are rare. In the medical literature these two entities have been frequently confused, so that many diagnosed cases of osteitis pubis have actually been shown to be misdiagnosed osteomyelitis pubis. For this reason, an aggressive diagnostic approach is recommended, especially in post-surgical cases, with biopsy and arthrocentesis of the symphysis guided by computed tomography.

Keywords: arthritis, pubic, symphysis, osteitis, pubis