Osteitis Pubis, Following Normal Vaginal Delivery: A Case Report

The osteitis pubis is an inflammatory-noninfectious disease of the pubic symphysis, which is rarely reported in the postpartum period after normal vaginal delivery. Misdiagnosis of this disease can leave the patient disabled with a poor quality of life

The case in the present study was a 35-year-old woman, admitted two days after giving birth, due to severe pain in the hypogastric and groin regions. Movement aggravated the pain in a way that disabled the patient. The pelvic radiograph showed pubic symphysis dislocation, and osteitis pubis was clinically diagnosed. Therefore, conservative treatment was prescribed for her, including relative bed rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (PRN, maximum TDS), physiotherapy, and pelvic binder, for two weeks. After this period, her pain decreased gradually and in the next follow-up, which was one month later, she had no limitation of motion.

Though it seems to be a simple disease, osteitis pubis can cause profound motion disability. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications, such as joint stiffness and chronic pain.