Treatment of refractory symphysitis pubis with intravenous pamidronate

J Rheumatol. 2001 Dec;28(12):2754-7.

Abstract

Osteitis pubis is a noninfectious painful inflammatory disorder of the symphysis pubis. Etiologic factors include urologic procedures, abdomino-perineal and gynecological surgery, and spondyloarthropathies, although many cases are idiopathic. Most respond to conservative measures consisting primarily of rest and analgesic/antiinflammatory agents. We describe 3 cases, 2 with idiopathic osteitis pubis and one that was associated with a spondyloarthropathy, that failed to respond to conservative measures but experienced clinical remission with 3 to 6 monthly courses of intravenous pamidronate. Remission was also evident in 2 patients on isotope bone scan. Followup has revealed no recurrence. Intravenous pamidronate may constitute a safe and effective treatment option for patients with refractory osteitis pubis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Diphosphonates / administration & dosage
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Osteitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteitis / drug therapy*
  • Osteitis / pathology
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pamidronate
  • Pubic Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Pubic Bone / pathology
  • Pubic Symphysis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pubic Symphysis / pathology*
  • Radionuclide Imaging

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Pamidronate