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The development of a scoring system for symphysis pubis dysfunction.
R E Leadbetter1, D Mawer, S W Lindow
1Sheffield University, Sheffield, and Women and Children's Hospital, Hull Royal Infirmary, UK.
Summary
A new scoring system for pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) aids diagnosis. This tool helps identify and manage SPD symptoms, improving patient care during and after pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Women's Health
Background:
- Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a common pregnancy-related condition causing pelvic pain.
- A definitive diagnostic test for SPD is lacking, necessitating symptom-based assessment.
- Effective screening and management tools are crucial for pregnant individuals experiencing SPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a reliable scoring system for diagnosing pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).
- To identify key symptoms significantly associated with SPD for diagnostic criteria.
- To provide a tool for assessing SPD severity and monitoring treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to inform questionnaire development.
- A questionnaire assessing SPD symptoms administered to 150 postpartum women (50 with SPD, 100 without).
- Reliability testing on a subset of 21 women; symptom analysis to establish a diagnostic score.
Main Results:
- SPD prevalence increased by trimester: 12% (1st), 34% (2nd), 52% (3rd).
- Key diagnostic symptoms included pubic bone pain during walking, bed mobility, stair climbing, single-leg stance, and prior pelvic/back injury.
- A scoring system with a threshold of 2 or more points demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy with one false positive.
Conclusions:
- The developed scoring system offers a reliable method for the clinical assessment of SPD.
- This tool can facilitate early screening, diagnosis, and management of SPD.
- The scoring system allows for objective monitoring of patient progress and intervention effectiveness.