Osteitis pubis involves abnormal friction across the symphysis pubis where the hip adductor tendon and the rectus abdominis muscle attach. It can occur when the pelvis is subjected to excessive or repetitive stress, causes pain and can also lead to bone degeneration.

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Causes

The pubic symphysis is a fulcrum for muscles that insert into and originate from the anterior pelvis, such as the rectus abdominis muscle and the adductor muscle complex, which are antagonistic. Repetitive use causing microtrauma or injury to the anterior pelvic musculature results in a muscle imbalance between the two. This imbalance disturbs the distribution of forces on the pubic symphysis and modifies the biomechanics of the joint. The change in the biomechanics of the joint leads to stress injuries on the pubic bone and possible cartilage deterioration.

Incidence

It is a disease that presents between the ages of 20 and 40; women are more frequently affected than men.

Risk factors

• Pregnancy / childbirth
• Surgery
• Urological
• Sports activities
  • Running
  • American football
  • Hockey
  • Soccer
  • Hockey
  • Rugby

• Major
• Repeated minor
• Rheumatological disorders
• Exercise
• Uneven ground
• Chaussures inadéquates
• Training overload

Procedures

Osteitis pubis manifests itself by sensitivity located above the pubic symphysis, by pain that radiates to the inside of the thigh and by a waddling gait. This dysfunctional gait can cause bursitis and tendinitis of the lower limbs, which can blur the clinical picture and increase pain.

Exercise

Transverse abdominal rehabilitation

While lying on your back, contract your abdominal muscles as if you were pulling your belly button towards your spine.

Radiography

X-rays show erosion, sclerosis and enlargement of the pubic symphysis.

Référence

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12. Verrall GM, Hamilton IA, Slavotinek JP, Oakeshott RD, Spriggins AJ, Barnes PG, Fon GT. Hip joint range of motion reduction in sports-related chronic groin injury diagnosed as pubicbone stress injury. J Sci Med Sport. 2005 Mar;8(1):77-84. [PubMed]
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