Relationship Between Pubic Symphysis Separation and Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain: A Retrospective Study of 32 Cases

Abstract

Background: Pain severity of postpartum pelvic girdle pain (PGP) does not seem closely related to the symphysis gap.

Objective: To determine the relationship between the pubic symphysis gap and postpartum PGP in women treated with the squeeze-and-clap maneuver.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Hospital Clinic PATIENTS: 32 patients with postpartum PGP.

Methods: The patients were grouped by the pubic symphysis gap as: group A (6-11 mm), group B (12-20 mm), and group C (21-30 mm).

Main outcome measurements: GP severity was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS). The symphysis gap was measured on radiographs. All patients were treated with the squeeze-and-clap maneuver. The VAS scores and the symphysis gaps at the first clinic visit and the second clinic visit 4-8 weeks later were analyzed.

Results: There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the three groups at the first clinic visit and the second clinic visit. VAS scores of the three groups were all significantly decreased at the second clinic visit compared with the first clinic visit (all P < .001). The symphysis gap was significantly decreased in group C at the second clinic visit (P = 0.004), but not in group A and group B.

Conclusion: Pubic symphysis separation was not associated with pain severity of postpartum PGP.