Pregnancy-related pain in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), lumbosacral region, pubic symphysis, or in any combination of these joints has been coined as pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and has been estimated to affect almost half of all pregnant women. SIJ dysfunction in pregnancy is due to multiple biomechanical mechanisms, such as increased weight, change in posture, increased abdominal and intrauterine pressure, and laxity of the spine and pelvic structures. Moreover, when compared to men, women have increased SIJ mobility due to increased pubic angle and decreased SIJ curvature. These differences may assist in parturition where hormones, such as relaxin and estrogen, cause symphysiolysis. A retrospective review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed database using the search term "pregnancy-related sacroiliac joint pain." All peer-reviewed studies were included. Around 8%-10% of women with PGP continue to have pain for one to two years postpartum. Patients that were treated with SIJ fusion show statistically significant improvement in pain scores when compared to patients that had non-operative treatment. Although we have a number of studies following patients after sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion for pelvic pain with SI joint dysfunction, further research is needed to study sacroiliac fusion for SI joint dysfunction in postpartum women to better tailor and optimize surgical outcomes for this patient population.

No abstract

Sexism and microaggressions against females in the medical field are well-known occurrences. Although there is extensive research on the prevalence and effects of these microaggressions in residency and clinical practice, little research has been done at the level of medical students. 1,2 Medical schools are now composed of > 50% female students; however, gender discrepancies remain in clinical practice, and sexism during medical school training is likely a contributing factor. 3 The purpose of this study is to assess the frequency, nature, and psychological impact of sexist microaggressions against female medical students and relate findings to specialty preferences.

No abstract