Overview
Injury of the nerve of the pelvic girdle often manifests as pelvic girdle pain, commonly seen in pregnant women and characterized by discomfort around the sacroiliac joints, symphysis pubis, and peripheral joints, potentially leading to significant long-term disability 12.Diagnosis
Pain typically begins in the first trimester of pregnancy and worsens with subsequent pregnancies 2.
Common sites include sacroiliac joints and symphysis pubis; peripheral joints may also be affected 2.
No specific diagnostic tests are highlighted; clinical history and physical examination are crucial 2.Management
First-line treatments: Exercises and physical supports provide temporary relief 1.
Adjunctive therapies: Acupuncture shows promise in reducing pain 1.
No specific drug classes or doses mentioned 12.Special Populations
Pregnancy: Pelvic girdle pain often initiates during pregnancy, persists postpartum, and can significantly impact lifestyle and capacity 2.
Pediatrics: Increased incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip noted in children of affected mothers, warranting hip screening 2.Key Recommendations
Implement exercises and physical supports for symptomatic relief of pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy (Evidence: Moderate) 12.
Consider acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to manage pain associated with pelvic girdle syndrome (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
Screen children of women with persistent pelvic girdle pain for developmental dysplasia of the hip (Evidence: Moderate) 2.References
1 Stones RW, Vits K. Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy. BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 2005. link
2 MacLennan AH, MacLennan SC. Symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation of pregnancy, postnatal pelvic joint syndrome and developmental dysplasia of the hip. The Norwegian Association for Women with Pelvic Girdle Relaxation (Landforeningen for Kvinner Med Bekkenløsningsplager). Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica 1997. link