The pubis is a bone that goes into the constitution of the pelvis. By extension, it also designates the part of the body located between the lower abdomen and the top of the genitals.

The pubis is a bone that is part of the pelvis. In humans, the pelvis (or pelvis) is formed by the association of the two bones of the hip (right and left), the sacrum and the coccyx.

The pubis, even and symmetrical, represents the anterior branch of the coxal bone (or hip bone). The hip bone is made on the right and left from the fusion of:

• The ilium, which joins behind the sacrum,
• The ischium, the lower part of the hip bone, it is the bone on which we sit,
• The pubis, the front part of the hip bone.

On each side of the body, the pubis joins the ischium behind. This fusion defines an opening, the obturator foramen, which allows nerves and blood vessels to pass in front of the thigh.

The two pubic bones unite in the midline of the body (center) at a joint called the pubic symphysis. This symphysis is a disc of fibrous cartilage.

The right and left branches of the pubis and ischium form, at the level of the lower end of the symphysis, a bony arch called the pubic arch which has a higher apex angle.

There are differences between the male and female pools. The female pelvis is:

• Wider and more rounded,
• Shallower,
• Its pubic arch is more rounded because the angle formed is greater,
• The sacrum is shorter and the coccyx straighter.

The pubic bone has a structural role since it participates in the formation of the hip bone on each side of the body. Once formed, the two hip bones form the pelvic girdle whose main function is to support the weight of the upper body. This area also protects the internal genitals, bladder and part of the large intestine.

The hip bones also articulate with the thigh bone, the femur, which allows walking.

Fracture of the pelvis : following a fall or an accident for example. The pelvis can fracture in different places. The pubis and the pubic symphysis are areas at risk of fissure or fracture in the case of the first or of dissociation in the second.

Pubic osteitis : syndrome that affects high level athletes. It is characterized by pelvic pain in the pubic symphysis, generally caused by twisting or kicking movements, especially when playing football or rugby. Repetitive stress on the pubic muscles causes instability of the symphysis which is the source of groin pain (4).

Pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women: pregnancy causes pelvic pain in some women. This pain is accentuated by the weight of the baby. The return to normal occurs after birth (5).

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, thus exposing individuals to higher risk of fractures, especially of the pelvis. Fighting osteoporosis is a method of prevention for this type of fracture. It is also advisable to avoid the practice of sports at risk of violent falls (rugby, horse riding, etc.).

 For older people, in whom the risk of falling increases, it is important to eliminate any obstacle in their environment that could be the cause of a violent fall (removal of the mats) and to adapt their behavior (installation of bars in the toilets, wearing shoes that hold the foot). 

Clinical examination: if a pelvic fracture is suspected, the doctor will first carry out a clinical examination. For example, he will check whether there is pain when mobilizing the sacroiliac joints (between the ilium and the sacrum) or a deformity of a lower limb.

X-ray, scanner or MRI: these medical imaging techniques make it possible to visualize the pelvis and observe its damage.

The pubis also refers to the area of ​​the body between the lower abdomen and the genitals. It is at this level that the so-called pubic hair appears at puberty. In women, the pubis is surmounted by a lump of fat commonly called “Mount of Venus”.