Osteitis pubis

Osteitis pubis is an uncommon and often painful inflammatory condition affecting the symphysis pubis — the joint between the pubic bones of the pelvis. Causes include:

• Bone infection (osteomyelitis), usually following pelvic surgery
• Pelvic trauma or surgery
• Sports-related injury or overuse
• Spondyloarthropathies (spondyloarthritis), a group of inflammatory conditions

Signs and symptoms of osteitis pubis may include:

• Pain in the lower abdomen or groin, inner thigh, testicles or hips
• Tenderness at the symphysis pubis

A doctor can make a diagnosis of osteitis pubis by:

• Blood tests, which show an elevated sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein
• Needle biopsy
• Pelvic X-rays
• Bone scan
• MRI

Treatment may include:

• Rest, if related to sports injury or overuse
• Antibiotics, if an infection is present
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain relievers
• Physical therapy
• Surgery