Symphysitis (Latin: osteitis pubis; ostitis pubis) (synonym: pubalgia; pubalgia; ICD-10-GM M85.8-: Other changes in bone density and structure) is a painful noninfectious inflammation of the symphysis pubica, pubic bone (os pubis), and nearby structures.
Structures affected by symphysitis include adductor muscles (group of skeletal muscles involved in pulling (adduction) of a limb), abdominal muscles, and fasciae (rough covering layer of connective tissue).
The main cause of inflammation of the pubic bone is repeated microtrauma caused by incorrect or excessive strain.
Affected are mainly competitive athletes of sports with sprints and fast changes of direction (e.g. handball, basketball, soccer and tennis players).
Gender ratio: Men are affected much more frequently than women.
Peak incidence: the average age is about 30 years in men and about 35 years in women.
The incidence (frequency of new cases) of symphysitis among athletes is between 0.5-7%.
Course and prognosis: The symptoms usually disappear spontaneously after weeks to several months. If the course of the disease is extremely painful, which is not uncommon, athletes must endure a longer-term interruption of training and competition. Conservative therapies (e.g., physiotherapy, ultrasound treatment, cryotherapy and electrotherapy) are the primary treatment. Competitive athletes may also be offered surgical therapy.A large proportion of competitive athletes/athletes retain the problems for longer than 3 years or end their careers as a result of the condition.
