Best Practice Case Studies-Case 111 Asset 5 Athletic Pubalgia (Sports Hernia)

Pdf Summary

Athletic pubalgia is groin pain in athletes, sometimes called “sportsman’s hernia” or “hockey groin.” It commonly occurs in sports involving running, twisting, and kicking such as soccer, hockey, rugby, and football. It is not a single diagnosis; multiple problems can cause it, including muscle or tendon strains, nerve injuries, hip or pubic joint issues, and true hernias.<br /><br />Symptoms typically include pain in the groin that may radiate into the lower abdomen or down the thigh. Pain is often worsened by activities like running, kicking, twisting, doing sit-ups, or even coughing and sneezing.<br /><br />A sports medicine evaluation may find tenderness when pressing on the painful area and pain with hip twisting. Imaging may be used to identify the cause: X-rays can show hip or pubic joint abnormalities, while MRI or ultrasound can detect soft tissue injuries (muscle or tendon problems). A dynamic ultrasound performed during movement or “bearing down” can help detect hernias or weaknesses in muscles/tendons.<br /><br />Initial treatment usually involves resting from painful activities and starting targeted strengthening and flexibility exercises. Ice, heat, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medications may help. Some tendon injuries may require injections to support healing. Surgery may be needed for certain hernias, hip joint problems, or nerve issues.<br /><br />Prevention is challenging because there is no single known cause, but strengthening the hip adductors/abductors and core muscles is emphasized, along with avoiding playing through pain.<br /><br />Return to play depends on restoring hip range of motion, strength, and sport-specific function. Rehabilitation may take up to 12 weeks; after surgery, return may range from about 4 weeks to 6 months.

Meta Tag

Edition 4th Edition

Related Case 4th Edition, Case 1

Topic Abdomen

Keywords

athletic pubalgia

sportsman’s hernia

hockey groin

groin pain in athletes

adductor strain

core muscle injury

hip joint pathology

pubic symphysis dysfunction

dynamic ultrasound imaging

return-to-play rehabilitation

4th Edition

4th Edition, Case 1

Abdomen