Pubic symphysis diastasis is recognized as a possible complication of pregnancy. When this occurs,
pubic symphysis diastasis may cause anterior widening and loss of stiffness within the pubic symphysis, causing potential instability in the pubic joint. The persistent loss of reduction can cause substantial disability in postpartum women.
Pubic symphysis diastasis has previously been treated conservatively using a pelvic girdle and
bedrest with some success. When a diastasis >3 cm is present, however, surgical intervention may be needed to preserve the integrity of the pubic symphysis joint. To date, most
surgical procedures for reduction of
pubic symphysis diastasis have been via internal fixation with plates and screws on the superior pubic rami. Although internal fixation provides good structural support, this method would be inadequate if a postpartum
pubic symphysis diastasis patient has significant reproductive organ damage, due to the risk of
soft tissue infection or
osteomyelitis. External fixation is an alternate method of
pubic symphysis diastasis treatment that has not received significant attention in the literature to date. We present the following case report to highlight a novel use of a pelvic frame
external fixator for treatment of a severe postpartum
pubic symphysis diastasis with organ damage. This article outlines a treatment alternative to internal fixation for cases of
pubic symphysis diastasis with a contaminated pelvic environment.