Pubic Stress Symphysitis in a Female Distance Runner.

In brief: Osteitis pubis is a general term that has been used for several disorders of the pubic symphysis. Pubic stress symphysitis, a more specific term, refers to the painful, nonseptic, inflammatory condition that occurs in runners and other endurance athletes. Septic cases, adductor tendon avulsion injuries, and stress fractures of the pubic rami must be clearly differentiated from pubic stress symphysitis to avoid confusion and misdiagnosis. Pelvic roentgenograms, radionuclide bone scans, laboratory evaluation, and physical findings make differentiation possible. The case described demonstrates the importance of proper diagnosis and therapy for patients with pubic stress. symphysitis.