0330 088 7800
What is a stress fracture of the pubic ramus?
The pubic ramus is the name for a section of the pubis bone. The pubis bone is one of three bones that make up the pelvis. A stress fracture of the pubic ramus is a crack within this bone. Physiotherapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process.
Above: Soft tissue massage of the muscles and connective tissues around the groin by an experienced therapistHow does a stress fracture of the pubic ramus happen?
If stress is put on the pubic ramus, areas of the bone can become damaged. The damaged areas of the bone are then replaced with new bone. If the process of forming of new bone is slower than the removal of the old bone, weak areas can develop within the pubic ramus at places where it is put under stress. A weak area in the bone can develop into a stress fracture if the pubic ramus is repeatedly stressed. Due to the forces involved in creating stress fractures of the pubic rami, they are more commonly seen in athletes and individuals that train at high intensities.
Above: Soft tissue massage of the muscles and connective tissues around the groin by an experienced therapistWhat are the symptoms of a stress fracture of the pubic ramus?
A stress fracture of the pubic ramus causes pain in the groin. This pain is usually in a specific point in the groin (the site of the fracture) and often gradually worsens over a period of weeks. At first your pain may have only been present following activity or exercise. However, over time, it may have progressed to being present during exercise. Other symptoms may include:
What should I do if I have a stress fracture of my pubic ramus?
If you have or suspect you have a stress fracture of the pubic ramus you should stop performing any exercises that aggravate your pain and arrange an assessment with your physiotherapist.
Above: Passive stretch of the muscles and connective tissues of the hip and pelvis by specialist therapistPhysiotherapy treatment for a stress fracture of the pubic ramus.
The assistance of your physiotherapist, and sometimes other medical professionals, is important in the treatment of a stress fracture of the pubic ramus. Your physiotherapist can provide you with a diagnosis. In some cases, to confirm your diagnosis, you may be referred to an orthopaedic consultant for a bone, CT or MRI scan. These scans can determine the extent of the damage to the bone and determine how long the injury is expected to take to heal.
Your physiotherapist can also design a treatment plan specific to you. Treatment includes:
- Fracture Treatment
- Manipulation / Mobilisation
- Soft Tissue Treatment
- Core Stability Exercises
- Hydrotherapy
What shouldn’t I do if I have a stress fracture of my pubic ramus?
If you have or suspect you have a stress fracture of the pubic ramus, you should not continue to exercise or compete in sports. If you do continue to exercise or compete it is possible that the bone could weaken further. Further weakening could lead to a larger crack in the bone and potentially a complete bone fracture.
Above: Progressive strengthening hip exercises supervised by experienced therapistCould there be any long-term effects of a stress fracture of the pubic ramus?
A stress fracture of the pubic ramus should not produce any long-term effects, if the fracture and the cause of the fracture are properly addressed. Without the correct treatment and advice, you can be at risk of the crack increasing in size, a complete bone fracture, or further stress fractures when you return to exercising.
To arrange a physiotherapy assessment call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800 or book online.
