Symphyseal diastasis following vaginal deliveries: a report of two cases

Rupture of the symphysis pubis and separation of the pubic rami of more than one centimeter in pregnancy and following vaginal delivery or symphyseal diastasis is uncommon.

To report the clinical characteristics, management and outcome of cases of symphyseal diastasis treated conservatively.

Symptomatic symphyseal diastasis follows rupture of the pubic symphysis and may recur in subsequent pregnancies. Subsequently the asymptomatic residual symphyseal diastasis is usually an incidental radiological finding. Examination of a recent case and a twenty-year review of symptomatic symphyseal diastasis in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu were done.

Two cases are reported separated by a seven year interval. The first case occurred intrapartum and the second case occurred in the puerperium. Manipulative vaginal delivery and fundal pressure were associated with the first case. In the second case a partial intrapartum rupture completed spontaneously post partum was suspected. Both cases were managed conservatively with good outcome.

Symphyseal diastasis is uncommon in Obstetrics and its diagnosis and effective treatment hinge on anticipation and proper evaluation.