E-ISSN 2651-3455 (Online) | ISSN 2630-5593 (Print)
The Anatolian Journal of Family Medicine Diagnostic Dilemma in a Primary Care Setting: Postpartum Suprapubic Pain [anatol j fm]
anatol j fm. 2022; 5(2): 126-128 | DOI: 10.5505/anatoljfm.2021.29200

Diagnostic Dilemma in a Primary Care Setting: Postpartum Suprapubic Pain

Shahrul Hisham Sulaiman1, Khasnur Abd Malek2
1Department of Orthopaedic, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA
2Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA

Osteitis pubis is a rarely reported condition in postpartum following a normal, uncomplicated vaginal delivery. A detailed history and physical examination including the institution of appropriate management and specific diagnostic tests are needed. Suprapubic pain is a common presentation in the postpartum period, and therefore many primary care doctors may not consider the pain as a serious complication. It is crucial that primary care physicians are aware of this illness and proactively manage this condition. Unresolved, prolonged pain might create unnecessary anxiety and frustrations for both the mother and the physician. The case here has been highlighted to address the diagnostic dilemma and to increase the likelihood of a precise diagnosis, particularly in the primary care setting. In this study, a 31-year-old female patient who had been to the local community clinic many times with complaints of suprapubic pain that had persisted for 3 months since the second birth was presented. Physical examination revealed marked tenderness over the symphysis pubis with no other significant findings. Radiological images showed evidence of osteitis pubis. The patient was treated conservatively but objectively with rest, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. The condition of the patient improved with time, and the patient returned to normal daily life after 2 months. This case emphasized the importance of recognizing and making an accurate diagnosis of postpartum pubic pain in a primary care setting and instituting a proper treatment regime early and strictly.

Keywords: Pelvic pain, postpartum period, osteitis

Shahrul Hisham Sulaiman, Khasnur Abd Malek. Diagnostic Dilemma in a Primary Care Setting: Postpartum Suprapubic Pain. anatol j fm. 2022; 5(2): 126-128

Corresponding Author: Shahrul Hisham Sulaiman, Malaysia
Manuscript Language: English
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