Primary care level prevalence of osteitis pubis in non-athlete patients in hill region: A short communication and a proposal for simple radiological grading

BACKGROUND: Osteitis pubis (OP) is inflammation of pubic symphysis associated with varying degrees of supra-pubic, pelvic, or lower abdominal pain. The condition may be severe in many patients with significant disability and protracted course of recovery. The condition is frequently described in sportspersons or athletes but consensus on classification and treatment guidelines is non-existent due to rarity of the condition. Its presence in non-athletic population is limited to a series of few cases or anecdotal case reports. Our study describes salient features of pattern of this disorder diagnosed on clinico-radiological basis in cases referred from primary care centers to our tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 26 patients (mean age of 36.28 years, 25 females, and 1 male case) with radiological features suggestive of OP were included in the study and relevant demographic details were noted for each. A radiological grading (Grade A to E) for notification was developed and the cases were categorized accordingly. RESULTS: Most of the cases were hard-working women from villages. Pregnancy was the major condition for which they ever consulted a health-care facility. Chronic, but not disabling, supra-pubic pain was the chief complaint in most cases. In some cases, the primary presentation was for some other disorder like low back pain in two, hip pain in six cases, adjacent fracture in three, and old lumbar osteoporotic compression fracture in one case. Other notable associated disorders included polio, ankylosing spondylitis, femoroacetabular impingement, and hip dysplasia. Conservative management was done in all cases except one with associated fracture. Good clinical outcome was noted in all but one case. Grade A cases were maximum (7) followed by grade B (6), grade D (4), and grade C (3). Only one case of grade E was noted with almost ankylosed symphysis. CONCLUSION: This article highlights acknowledgment and knowledge of OP in primary care settings and its anticipation even in normal population for a better understanding of prevalence and radiological presentation.