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Research ArticleMedical Practice

Osteitis Pubis: A Diagnosis for the Family Physician

Scott K. Andrews and Peter J. Carek
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice July 1998, 11 (4) 291-295; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.11.4.291
Scott K. Andrews
From the Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. Address reprint requests to Peter J. Carek, MD, MS, Department of Family Medicine, 171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425
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Peter J. Carek
From the Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. Address reprint requests to Peter J. Carek, MD, MS, Department of Family Medicine, 171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425
MD, MS
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Abstract

Background: Osteitis pubis was first described in 1924 in patients who had had suprapubic surgery. Since that time many theories concerning the cause of the disease have been developed. Published case reports and retrospective record reviews of specific, isolated patient populations have been used to postulate an infectious, inflammatory, or traumatic cause of this condition. Such confusion reduces the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis of osteitis pubis, particularly in the primary care setting, where it is becoming increasingly likely that patients afflicted with this frustrating illness will initially seek treatment.

Methods: This article describes a case report and provides a review of the literature. The medical literature was searched using the following key words: “abdominal pain,” “pelvic pain,” “inflammation,” “symphysis pubis,” and “enthesopathy.”

Results and Conclusions: Osteitis pubis, considered to be the most common inflammatory disease of the pubic symphysis, is a self-limiting inflammation secondary to trauma, pelvic surgery, childbirth, or overuse, and it can be found in almost any patient population. Occurring more commonly in men during their 30s and 40s, osteitis pubis causes pain in the pubic area, one or both groins, and in the lower rectus abdominis muscle. The pain can be exacerbated by exercise or specific movements, such as running, kicking, or pivoting on one leg, and is relieved with rest. Pain can occur with walking and can be in one or several of many distributions: perineal, testicular, suprapubic, inguinal, and postejaculatory in the scrotum and perineum. Symptoms are described as “groin burning,” with discomfort while climbing stairs, coughing, or sneezing. A greater understanding and awareness of osteitis pubis will reduce patient and physician frustration while improving overall outcomes.

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The Journal of the American Board of Family     Practice: 11 (4)
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
Vol. 11, Issue 4
1 Jul 1998
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Osteitis Pubis: A Diagnosis for the Family Physician
Scott K. Andrews, Peter J. Carek
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice Jul 1998, 11 (4) 291-295; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.11.4.291

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Osteitis Pubis: A Diagnosis for the Family Physician
Scott K. Andrews, Peter J. Carek
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice Jul 1998, 11 (4) 291-295; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.11.4.291
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