Overlapped Pubic Symphysis; a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Overlapped pubic symphysis is a rare but serious pelvic injury. This study presents a case of overlapped dislocation of the pubic symphysis. He was managed by closed reduction under general anesthesia. The patient had urethral transsection.At the latest follow up, seven months post injury; he was able to walk well without any pelvic pain. However, his urologic problems were continued. We also reviewed the literature and analyzed the data of the previous reports as well as the current case collectively. The two terms of “locked pubic symphysis" and “overlapped pubic symphysis"have been used synonymously in the literature. Overlapped pubic symphysis is commonly associated with fracture of the sacrum and urethral injury in the male patients. After closed or open reduction, if pelvic instability persists, it needs anterior and may posterior internal fixation to achieve a stable pelvis.