Symphysis Information & Symphysis Links at HealthHaven.com

Symphysis
	Diagrammatic section of a symphysis.
Gray's	subject #70 285

A symphysis is a fibrocartilaginous fusion between two bones. It is a type of cartilaginous joint, specifically a secondary cartilaginous joint.

A symphysis is an amphiarthrosis, a slightly movable joint.

Unlike synchondroses, symphyses are permanent.^[1]

[edit] Examples

The more prominent symphyses are:

the pubic symphysis
the symphyses between the bones of the skull, most notably the mandible (symphysis menti)
sacrococcygeal symphysis
intervertebral disc between two vertebrae
in the sternum, between the manubrium and body, and between the body and xiphoid process

[edit] Injury

The pubic symphysis widens slightly whenever your legs are stretched far apart. In sports where these movements are often performed, the risk of a pubic symphysis blockage is high, in which case, after completion of the movement, the bones at the symphysis do not re-align correctly and can get jammed in a dislocated position. The resulting pain can be quite severe, especially on further strain put upon the affected joint. In most cases, the joint can only be successfully reduced into its normal position by a trained medical professional.