Relation Between Episiotomy and Osteomioarticular Symptoms

Abstract

Childbirth is a social and cultural phenomenon which has faced drastic changes from twentieth century as a shift to a gynecological position and an episiotomy routine. Fascia represents "the philosophy of the body" and any pathologic alteration in that tissue will affect the whole body. This study aims to verify the relation between episiotomy and osteomioarticular symptoms. 60 women who participated in this study were divided equally into two groups: group I (vaginal delivery with episiotomy) and group II (vaginal delivery without episiotomy). To assess them, we used an Initial assessment form and a Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The data were analyzed with the Spearman Correlation Test and t Student Test for independent samples with a statistical significance of p≤0,05. Based on the results of the study, 60% women from group I related low back repercussions during the last year, while 53% women from group I related hip/lower limbs repercussions during the last week. Level of pain and musculoskeletal complaints prevailed in group I, as well. We concluded that there is a high prevalence of osteomioarticular symptoms in women who had episiotomy in her deliveries.