Hips Do Not Lie: Atypical Pain From Peripartum Pubic Symphysis Diastasis

Pubic symphysis diastasis (PSD) is the widening of the pubic symphysis which can occur during the peripartum period. PSD commonly presents as pelvic pain with associated neuropathies rarely reported. In this report we describe the unique presentation of PSD with associated motor and sensory deficits in a 19-year-old postpartum patient. Two days following vaginal delivery, the patient complained of diffuse body pain, generalized weakness, and lower extremity paresthesia without any other neurological deficits. PSD was diagnosed by radiograph of the pelvis and her symptoms swiftly improved following conservative management of the diastasis. Further, we discuss the potential etiology of this patient's presentation as well as differential diagnosis with similar presentations.