Epidemiological Analysis of 245 Patients with Athletic Pubalgia.

Objective To analyze the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of pubalgia in athletes and to define the epidemiological profile of patients complaining of lower abdomen and groin pain at a specialized center. Methodology We conducted a retrospective study based on a case series to evaluate the epidemiological profile of 245 athletes with pubalgia reported in their medical records from October 2015 to February 2018. The selected sample underwent a clinical evaluation, and the results were recorded through the application of a questionnaire. Results The sample consisted of 245 patients aged between 14 and 75 years. Soccer and running were the most prevalent sports. Most subjects (58%) trained or played sports 3 or more days a week. After evaluating specific sports movements, symptoms worsened in 24% of the patients when changing direction; in 23%, when kicking; in 22%, during sprints and speed training; in 17%, during long runs; and in 14%, when jumping. Pain during intercourse was reported by 13% of the patients. For most subjects (80%), the inguinal region, the adductor muscles, and the pubis (midline) were the main pain sites. The tests involving adductor contraction against resistance with an extended knee was positive in 77.6% of the patients, and the one involving simultaneous hip and abdomen flexion against resistance was positive in 76.7% of the sample. Conclusion The present study has demonstrated the predominance of pubalgia in male patients who play soccer and practice running. In most cases (80%), pain occurred in the inguinal region, the adductor muscles, and the pubis. Confirmation of the clinical diagnosis took more than six months for most patients.

Epidemiological Analysis of 245 Patients with Athletic Pubalgia / Análise epidemiológica de 245 pacientes com pubalgia atlética

Abstract Objective To analyze the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of pubalgia in athletes and to define the epidemiological profile of patients complaining of lower abdomen and groin pain at a specialized center. Methodology We conducted a retrospective study based on a case series to evaluate the epidemiological profile of 245 athletes with pubalgia reported in their medical records from October 2015 to February 2018. The selected sample underwent a clinical evaluation, and the results were recorded through the application of a questionnaire. Results The sample consisted of 245 patients aged between 14 and 75 years. Soccer and running were the most prevalent sports. Most subjects (58%) trained or played sports 3 or more days a week. After evaluating specific sports movements, symptoms worsened in 24% of the patients when changing direction; in 23%, when kicking; in 22%, during sprints and speed training; in 17%, during long runs; and in 14%, when jumping. Pain during intercourse was reported by 13% of the patients. For most subjects (80%), the inguinal region, the adductor muscles, and the pubis (midline) were the main pain sites. The tests involving adductor contraction against resistance with an extended knee was positive in 77.6% of the patients, and the one involving simultaneous hip and abdomen flexion against resistance was positive in 76.7% of the sample. Conclusion The present study has demonstrated the predominance of pubalgia in male patients who play soccer and practice running. In most cases (80%), pain occurred in the inguinal region, the adductor muscles, and the pubis. Confirmation of the clinical diagnosis took more than six months for most patients.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar as características clínico-epidemiológicas da pubalgia do atleta, e definir o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com queixa de dor na região baixa do abdômen e virilha avaliados em um centro especializado. Metodologia Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo de uma série de casos, no qual se avaliou o perfil epidemiológico de 245 pacientes esportistas com pubalgia, registrados em prontuário, entre outubro de 2015 e fevereiro de 2018. A amostra selecionada foi submetida a uma avaliação clínica, e os resultados foram documentados a partir da aplicação de um questionário. Resultados A amostra estudada foi de 245 pacientes com idades que variavam entre 14 e 75 anos. O futebol e a corrida foram os esportes mais prevalentes, e 58% treinavam ou praticavam esporte 3 ou mais dias por semana. Após a avaliação dos movimentos esportivos específicos, foi observada piora dos sintomas em 24% com a troca de direção; em 23%, nos chutes; em 22%, nos sprints e treinos de velocidade; em 17%, nas corridas longas; e em 14%, nos saltos. Dor durante o ato sexual foi relatado em 13% dos pacientes. A maior parte dos pacientes (80%) relatou que a região inguinal, os adutores e o púbis (linha média) eram os principais sítios da dor. O teste de contração dos adutores contra resistência com joelho em extensão foi positivo em 77,6% dos pacientes avaliados, e o teste de Flexão simultânea do Quadril + Abdômen contra resistência foi positivo em 76.7% dos pacientes. Conclusão O presente estudo demonstrou o predomínio dessa lesão nos pacientes do sexo masculino praticantes de futebol e de corrida. A dor, na maioria dos casos (80%), estava presente na região inguinal, nos adutores e no púbis. A maioria dos pacientes demorou mais de seis meses para ter o diagnóstico clínico confirmado.

Musculoskeletal injuries in athletes from five modalities: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSK-I) are a serious problem in sports medicine. Modifiable and non-modifiable factors are associated with susceptibility to these injuries. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of and identify the factors associated with MSK-I, including tendinopathy and joint and muscle injuries, in athletes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, 627 athletes from rugby (n = 225), soccer (n = 172), combat sports (n = 86), handball (n = 82) and water polo (n = 62) were recruited at different sports training centres and competitions. Athlete profiles and the prevalence of MSK-I were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Only previous MSK-I with imaging confirmation and/or a positive physical exam by a specialized orthopaedist were considered. The association of the epidemiological, clinical and sports profiles of athletes with MSK-I was evaluated by a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The mean age was 25 ± 6 years, and 60% of the athletes were male. The epidemiological, clinical and sports profiles of the athletes were different for the five sport groups. The MSK-I prevalence among all athletes was 76%, with 55% of MSK-I occurring in a joint, 48% occurring in a muscle and 30% being tendinopathy, and 19% of athletes had three investigated injuries. The MSK-I prevalence and injury locations were significantly different among sport groups. There was a predominance of joint injury in combat sports athletes (77%), muscle injury in handball athletes (67%) and tendinopathy in water polo athletes (52%). Age (≥30 years) was positively associated with joint (OR = 5.2 and 95% CI = 2.6-10.7) and muscle (OR = 4.9 and 95% CI = 2.4-10.1) injuries and tendinopathy (OR = 4.1 and 95% CI = 1.9-9.3). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of tendinopathy and joint and muscle injuries among rugby, soccer, combat sports, handball and water polo athletes. The analysis of associated factors (epidemiological, clinical and sports profiles) and the presence of MSK-I in athletes suggests an approximately 4-5-fold increased risk for athletes ≥30 years of age. The identification of modifiable and non-modifiable factors can contribute to implementing surveillance programmes for MSK-I prevention.