Did You Know There May Be Surgical Options for Severe SPD? 🤔
Did You Know There May Be Surgical Options for Severe SPD? 🤔
For years, many people living with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) or Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) have been told that symptoms will improve after birth.
For many, they do.
But for some of us, the pain never fully goes away.
Some people are left with long-term pelvic instability, chronic pain, mobility difficulties, and life-changing disability years after pregnancy.
Whilst doing some recent reading, I discovered that surgical techniques have continued to evolve. Historically, severe pubic symphysis instability was treated using metal plates and screws to stabilise the pelvis. However, newer procedures are being explored using specialised suture and fixation systems designed to provide support whilst allowing a degree of natural movement within the joint.
These procedures are not routinely offered to most people with SPD and appear to be reserved for severe cases involving significant instability and ongoing disability despite conservative treatment.
As someone who spent years bedbound with permanent SPD, I find it encouraging that research continues to progress. For a long time, many women were simply told to "wait and see" or that the pain would resolve after childbirth.
We now know that isn't everyone's reality.
I don't yet know how widely available these procedures are in the UK, what the eligibility criteria might be, or whether they are suitable for people with hypermobility conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but it's certainly an area I'd like to learn more about.
If you've undergone surgery for SPD, pelvic instability, or chronic pelvic girdle pain, I'd genuinely love to hear about your experience.
The more we share information, the more empowered people become to advocate for themselves and explore all available options.
After all, nobody should be left suffering simply because they weren't told what support exists. ❤️
Sarah Wingfield ❤️✨ Independent Disability Advocate Founder, PGP and SPD Support UK
#SPD #PelvicGirdlePain #PGP #SymphysisPubisDysfunction #WomensHealth #DisabilityAwareness #ChronicPain #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #Hypermobility #DisabilityAdvocate #Accessibility #PregnancySupport #PatientAdvocacy
Alt Text:
A square infographic with a pink, purple, and glitter-themed background titled "Did You Know? There May Be Surgical Options for Severe SPD". The graphic discusses potential surgical treatments for severe Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) and Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) that persist long after pregnancy.
The left side explains that newer surgical techniques use suture and fixation systems to stabilise the pubic symphysis while allowing some natural movement. Bullet points highlight that these procedures are generally reserved for severe cases of ongoing instability, are usually performed by specialist pelvic reconstruction teams, and require further research, particularly for people with hypermobility conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
The right side features a detailed anatomical illustration of a pelvis showing a suture-button stabilisation system across the pubic symphysis, labelled with "suture anchors" and "surgical tape". A section titled "How It Works" explains that the system aims to provide stability while respecting the natural movement of the joint.
Additional text states that older approaches often used metal plates and screws, whereas newer techniques aim to support the pelvis more dynamically. The infographic includes messages of hope, encourages people to share their experiences of SPD surgery or pelvic instability treatment, and emphasises that nobody should suffer in silence.
The design includes purple awareness ribbon imagery, heart illustrations, sparkles, and branding for Sarah Wingfield – Independent Disability Advocate, Founder of PGP and SPD Support UK, with the website KawaiiDollDecora.uk displayed vertically along the left-hand side. 💜✨
