title: Symphyseal diastasis following vaginal deliveries: a report of two cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rupture of the symphysis pubis and separation of the pubic rami of more than one centimeter in pregnancy and following vaginal delivery or symphyseal diastasis is uncommon.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To report the clinical characteristics, management and outcome of cases of symphyseal diastasis treated conservatively.
  
  
  METHODS
  Symptomatic symphyseal diastasis follows rupture of the pubic symphysis and may recur in subsequent pregnancies. Subsequently the asymptomatic residual symphyseal diastasis is usually an incidental radiological finding. Examination of a recent case and a twenty-year review of symptomatic symphyseal diastasis in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu were done.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two cases are reported separated by a seven year interval. The first case occurred intrapartum and the second case occurred in the puerperium. Manipulative vaginal delivery and fundal pressure were associated with the first case. In the second case a partial intrapartum rupture completed spontaneously post partum was suspected. Both cases were managed conservatively with good outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Symphyseal diastasis is uncommon in Obstetrics and its diagnosis and effective treatment hinge on anticipation and proper evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Department Of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Uzoaniebue@Yahoo.com
authors.forename: U U
authors.initials: UU
authors.lastname: Aniebue
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D046548:Pubic Symphysis Diastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D012720:Severity of Illness Index