Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Pubic Inguinal Pain Syndrome - Sports Hernia ?

G. Campanelli


Received: 28 September 2009 / Accepted: 4 December 2009 / Published online: 6 January 2010
 
 

Sports hernia (SH) is a controversial condition which presents


itself as chronic groin pain. It is responsible for signiWcant

time away from work and sports competition, with

an incidence of between 0.5 and 6.2% [1–3]. Groin injury is

common in soccer and ice hockey players, but SH can be

encountered in a variety of sports, and even in normally

physically active people [1, 3]. For this reason, we think

that it is more appropriate to speak of pubic inguinal pain

syndrome (PIPS).

Over the past decade, the number of sports-related

injuries has increased as a function of increased athletic

activities, and the demand for an early return to work and

competitive sports puts pressure on the doctor for immediate

diagnosis and treatment [1–3].

The anatomy involved, diagnostic criteria and treatment

modalities are inconsistently described in the medical,

surgical and orthopaedic literature. In fact, there is no

evidence-based consensus available to guide the decisionmaking,

and most of the studies are level IV investigations

[1, 3, 4].
 
 
Click on the enclosure link for article

The groin triangle: a patho-anatomical approach to the diagnosis of chronic groin pain in athletes.

Br J Sports Med. 2009 Mar;43(3):213-20. Epub 2008 Nov 19.


Falvey EC, Franklyn-Miller A, McCrory PR.

Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. e.falvey@mac.com

Abstract

Chronic groin pain is a common presentation in sports medicine. It is most often a problem in those sports that involve kicking and twisting movements while running. The morbidity of groin pain should not be underestimated, ranking behind only fracture and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of time out of training and play. Due to the insidious onset and course of pathology in the groin region it commonly presents with well-established pathology. Without a clear clinical/pathological diagnosis, the subsequent management of chronic groin pain is difficult. The combination of complex anatomy, variability of presentation and the non-specific nature of the signs and symptoms make the diagnostic process problematical. This paper proposes a novel educational model based on patho-anatomical concepts. Anatomical reference points were selected to form a triangle, which provides the discriminative power to restrict the differential diagnosis and form the basis of ensuing investigation. This paper forms part of a series addressing the three-dimensional nature of proximal lower limb pathology. The 3G approach (groin, gluteal and greater trochanter triangles) acknowledges this, permitting the clinician to move throughout the region, considering pathologies appropriately.

A systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of exercise therapy for groin pain in athletes.

Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol. 2009 Mar 31;1(1):5.



Machotka Z, Kumar S, Perraton LG.

Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia. saravana.kumar@unisa.edu.au.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Athletes competing in sports that require running, changes in direction, repetitive kicking and physical contact are at a relatively higher risk of experiencing episodes of athletic groin pain. To date, there has been no systematic review that aims to inform clinicians about the best available evidence on features of exercise interventions for groin pain in athletes. The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of exercise therapy for groin pain in athletes. The secondary aim of this review was to identify the key features of exercise interventions used in the management of groin pain in an athletic population. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTSDiscus, Embase, AMED, Ovid, PEDro, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Google Scholar databases were electronically searched. Data relating to research design, sample population, type of sport and exercise intervention was extracted. The methodological evaluation of included studies was conducted by using a modified quantitative critical appraisal tool. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 468 studies, 12 of which were potentially relevant. Ultimately five studies were included in this review. Overall the quality of primary research literature was moderate, with only one randomised controlled trial identified. All included studies provided evidence that an exercise intervention may lead to favourable outcomes in terms of return to sport. Four of the five studies reviewed included a strengthening component and most utilised functional, standing positions similar to those required by their sport. No study appropriately reported the intensity of their exercise interventions. Duration of intervention ranged from 3.8 weeks to 16 weeks. All five studies reported the use of one or more co-intervention. CONCLUSION: Best available evidence to date, with its limitations, continues to support common clinical practice of exercise therapy as a key component of rehabilitation for groin pain in athletes. Overall, the available evidence suggests that exercise, particularly strengthening exercise of the hip and abdominal musculature could be an effective intervention for athletes with groin pain. Literature provides foundational evidence that this may need to be in the form of progressive exercises (static to functional) and performed through range. There is currently no clear evidence regarding the most effective intensity and frequency of exercise, because of a lack of reporting in the primary literature.

The inguinal release procedure for groin pain: initial experience in 73 sportsmen/women.

Br J Sports Med. 2009 Aug;43(8):579-83. Epub 2009 Jan 21.



Mann CD, Sutton CD, Garcea G, Lloyd DM.

Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK. chris.mann@doctors.org.uk


Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the laparoscopic inguinal release procedure with mesh reinforcement on athletes with groin pain. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Private sector. PATIENTS: Professional and amateur sportsmen/women undergoing the inguinal release for groin pain. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Change in patient's symptoms, functional limitation and time to resuming sporting activity following surgery. RESULTS: 73 sportsmen/women underwent laparoscopic inguinal release in the study period, 37 (51%) of whom were professionals. 95% were male with a median age of 30 years. Following operation, patients returned to light training at a median of 1 week, full training at 3 weeks (professionals-2 weeks) and playing competitively at 4 weeks (professionals-3 weeks). 74% considered themselves match-fit by 4 weeks (84% of professionals). Following surgery, there was a highly significant improvement in frequency of pain, severity of pain and functional limitation in both the whole cohort and professional group. 88% reported a return to full fitness at follow-up, with 73% reporting complete absence of symptoms. 97% of the cohort thought the operation had improved their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the laparoscopic inguinal release procedure may be effective in the treatment of a subgroup of athletes with groin pain.

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