Pubic Bone Inflammation (Symphysitis): Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification.

  • X-ray of the pelvis (anterior-posterior projection; a.-p. projection; beam path from front to back) [sclerosis zones and irregularities of the symphysis gap as indirect signs of symphysitis]If necessary, also single-leg stand radiograph (so-called flamingo radiograph) [on the loaded side vertical displacements of > 2 mm].
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis (synonyms: pelvic MRI; MRI pelvis) – computer-assisted cross-sectional imaging procedure (using magnetic fields, i.e., without X-rays); especially suitable for early diagnosis of the first stage of the disease [1. Stage: periarticular subchondral bone marrow edema/edema (water retention/swelling) in the pubic bone (Os pubis; unilateral or bilateral); stage of chronification: subchondral sclerosis and resorption; bony irregularities and osteophytes/rewritten bone neoplasms].

Further notes

  • The suspected diagnosis of symphysitis can be confirmed in difficult cases by diagnostic infiltration of the symphysis with a local anesthetic (local anesthetic).