Outcome of Internal Fixation and Corticocancellous Grafting of Symphysis Pubis Diastasis Which Developed after Malunion of Pubic Rami Fracture

Abstract

We report a case of pubic symphysis diastasis, which was initially asymptomatic; however, it became symptomatic with urinary incontinence during pregnancy. The patient was treated with open reduction and internal fixation of the symphysis pubis. A corticocancellous autograft was used for filling the gap which remained despite bilateral compression of the iliac bones. We obtained satisfactory outcome in terms of symptoms at the 3 years' follow-up; however, there was instability findings in the X-rays with broken screws. We conclude that asymptomatic pubic symphysis diastasis might be symptomatic after additional trauma (such as pregnancy) in the following days, if it was unstable in the very beginning of injury. Fixation of old pubic symphysis diastasis with reconstruction plate by filling the gap by using corticocancellous autograft, might not prevent ultimate implant failure if the symphysis pubis diastasis is part of an unstable pelvic fracture in the very beginning.