The superior pubic ramus extends from the body of the pubis laterally and upward to the acetabulum, where it fuses with the ilium and ischium. It forms the upper border of the obturator foramen and carries the pecten pubis and the obturator groove on its surfaces.
| Articulations |
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|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Ossifies from the pubic primary centre at about the fifth fetal month and joins the ilium and ischium at the triradiate cartilage at about 14-16 years. |
Superior pubic ramus fractures are common in older adults after a low fall and are often combined with inferior ramus or sacral fractures. Fractures extending toward the acetabulum may affect the hip joint. The obturator nerve and vessels pass through the obturator groove beneath the ramus and may be injured by fractures or screws.
Commonly from a low fall in older people with osteoporosis, causing groin pain and difficulty walking, usually treated with mobilisation as pain allows.
Stress fracture of the pubic rami in long-distance runners and military recruits, causing groin pain with activity.
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