Symptomatic separation of the pubic symphysis.

We present seven cases of pubic symphyseal discomfort in pregnancy or parturition. These patients were unable to walk and had other signs and symptoms similar to those of osteitis pubis. We differentiate this condition from classical osteitis pubis by the lack of a prolonged course, symptoms, and clinical findings rather than radiologic criteria. We propose that in patients with symphyseal pain and tenderness, difficulty with ambulation, and a clinical course of less than three weeks, symptomatic symphyseal separation should be considered the diagnosis.