Lasbleiz J, et al. – This study was undertaken to explore the effect of using an elastic band device after a severe obstetric pubic symphyseal separation. The current study showed that the use of an elastic band device was related to a reduction of the pubic width and pain related after obstetric pubic symphysis separation.

Methods

• They performed this research to assess the elastic band device, clinical (pain–rated) and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging and radiography) evaluations with and without the device.
• The elastic band device is a European Conformity–certified medical device, which is made of neoprene straps, that decreases the mobility of the pelvis and the use of the internal rotator muscles.

Results

• In this study, radiography displayed a decrease of the pubic width from 41 to 12 mm on a postpartum day 1 when the elastic band device was in place.
• Besides, pain reduced from 10 of 10 to 2 of 10 in 2 days, allowing the patient to ambulate and avoid surgery.
• After 1 month, the pubic width (6 mm) and anatomy were recovered but minor pain was still present with hip rotatory movements.
• The elastic band device was worn 24 hours a day from postpartum days 1–90 and 12 hours a day from postpartum days 90 to 150; afterward, the patient returned to normal life without the elastic band device.