Rupture of symphysis pubis caused by forceful and excessive abduction of the thighs with labor epidural anesthesia.

Only a few cases of rupture of the symphysis pubis have been reported but the condition could become more frequent with epidural anesthesia. Conservative management is emphasized. Rupture is caused by desensitization to the labor process due to epidural anesthesia and excessive abduction of the thighs to increase anterior-posterior diameter during the birth process. Greater use of labor epidural anesthesia could increase the frequency of this event.