Sports Hernia and Extra-Articular Causes of Groin Pain in the Athlete.

ABSTRACT

Groin pain is a common complaint in athletes that use the musculature of the lower abdomen and proximal thigh. The complex anatomy of the groin region and broad differential diagnosis presents the sports medicine specialist with unique diagnostic and treatment challenges. Sports hernia, osteitis pubis, and adductor dysfunction are common extra-articular musculoskeletal causes of groin pain in athletes. The current paper reviews the pathogenesis, history and physical examination, imaging, non-operative treatment, surgical techniques, and outcomes for these conditions. Treatment algorithms are presented for management of patients with sports hernia, osteitis pubis, and adductor dysfunction.