Differential diagnosis in painful ischiopubic synchondrosis (IPS): a case report

Iowa Orthop J. 2010:30:195-200.

Abstract

Synchondroses are temporary joints that only exist during skeletal maturation. Bilateral widening of the ischiopubic synchondrosis (IPS) is a normal growth phenomenon, but when it is unilateral and painful it can become a diagnostic challenge. An eight-year-old child with an enlarged symptomatic unilateral synchondrosis is presented. Failure of conservative treatment and its pseudo-tumoral appearance led us to intervene surgically. Pathology revealed a stress fracture. Based on this clinical case, we made a revision of policy regarding pathology, diagnostic workup and treatment strategies for symptomatic synchondrosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cartilage / growth & development
  • Cartilage / injuries*
  • Cartilage / surgery
  • Child
  • Curettage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fractures, Stress / complications
  • Fractures, Stress / diagnostic imaging*
  • Groin
  • Humans
  • Ischium / growth & development
  • Ischium / injuries*
  • Ischium / surgery
  • Male
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pubic Bone / growth & development
  • Pubic Bone / injuries*
  • Pubic Bone / surgery
  • Radiography