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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion
Published on: February 14, 2025
Symphyseal separation
Neeta Jain1, Lawrence B Sternberg
1University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14607, USA. Neeta.Jain@stanfordalumni.org
Background:
Separation of the pubic symphysis up to 1 cm during pregnancy and delivery occurs frequently. This report presents a woman who experienced a large symphyseal separation.
Case:
Following delivery, a 35-year-old primipara complained of hip and groin pain associated with leg movement. An anterior-posterior pelvic X-ray showed a pubic separation of 9.5 cm and a 3-5 mm widening of the sacroiliac joints. She was treated with a pelvic binder, walker, and physical therapy. The diastasis has since undergone progressive reduction.
Conclusion:
Separation of the pubic symphysis during pregnancy and delivery is normal. However, a large separation is a potential complication requiring treatment and follow-up. Conservative management including analgesia, rest, and a pelvic binder is a reasonable method of management.
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