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Using an Elastic Band Device After a Severe Obstetric Pubic Symphyseal Separation: Clinical and Imaging Evaluation
Jeremy Lasbleiz1, François-Xavier Sevestre, Pierre-Yves Moquet
1Departments of Radiology, Gynecology, and Orthopedy, Clinique Mutualiste de la Sagesse, Inserm, UMR 1099, and LTSI, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
Background:
Severe separation of the pubic symphysis is a rare delivery complication. Facing this pathology, we decided to study a new elastic band device.
Method:
To evaluate the elastic band device, clinical (pain-rated) and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging and radiography) evaluations with and without the device were performed. The elastic band device is a European Conformity-certified medical device, which is made of neoprene straps, that reduces the mobility of the pelvis and the use of the internal rotator muscles.
Experience:
Once the elastic band device was in place, on postpartum day 1, radiography showed a decrease of the pubic width from 41 to 12 mm. Furthermore, pain decreased from 10 of 10 to 2 of 10 in 2 days, allowing the patient to ambulate and avoid surgery. After 1 month, the pubic width (6 mm) and anatomy were recovered but minor pain was still present with hip rotatory movements. The elastic band device was worn 24 hours a day from postpartum days 1-90 and 12 hours a day from postpartum days 90 to 150; afterward, the patient returned to normal life without the elastic band device.
Conclusion:
Use of an elastic band device was associated with a reduction of the pubic width and pain associated after obstetric pubic symphysis separation.
