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Differential Diagnostic Difficulties in Athletes with Chronic Groin Pain: A Multidisciplinary Concern

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Sports Injuries

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Abstract

When investigating athletes with chronic groin pain, a wide range of disorders should be considered before deciding on treatment. A broad knowledge within the complex field of groin pain is necessary, and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. With detailed knowledge in local anatomy and pathophysiological mechanisms, information from a thorough history of pain and physical examination can be correctly interpreted. When needed complementary investigations such as diagnostic blocks and radiological examinations can be added as well as occasional referrals to other specialties such as urology, gynecology, rheumatology, and neurology. Physiotherapy is the baseline for the treatment in most of the chronic groin pain cases. Operative treatment in patients not responding to conservative treatment may be necessary. A so-called sports hernia, a posterior inguinal wall insufficiency, is a diagnosis of exclusion that can be treated with a hernia repair, and hip joint disorders are increasingly being operated on.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Helsingborg/Ängelholm Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden

    Sam G. G. Smedberg

  2. Lund University, Lund, Sweden

    Sam G. G. Smedberg

  3. Pålsjögatan 25, 254 40, Helsingborg, Sweden

    Sam G. G. Smedberg

  4. Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden

    Harald P. Roos

  5. Department of Orthopedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden

    Harald P. Roos

  6. Skånes universitetssjukhus, Entregatan 7, 221 85, Lund, Sweden

    Harald P. Roos

Authors
  1. Sam G. G. Smedberg
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  2. Harald P. Roos
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Correspondence to Sam G. G. Smedberg .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Orthopedics & Traumatology, Hacettepe University Fac. Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    Mahmut Nedim Doral

  2. Gothenburg, Sweden

    Jon Karlsson

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Smedberg, S.G.G., Roos, H.P. (2014). Differential Diagnostic Difficulties in Athletes with Chronic Groin Pain: A Multidisciplinary Concern. In: Doral, M., Karlsson, J. (eds) Sports Injuries. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-36801-1_60-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-36801-1_60-1

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-36801-1

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