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Groin Pain in Athletes

  • Sports Medicine Rehabilitation (J Soo Hoo and B Liem, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The aim of this review is to present the latest research regarding the classification and evaluation of groin pain in athletes.

Recent Findings

Use of standardized terminology of groin pain has increased. Risk factors for groin pain include prior groin injury, higher level of play, reduced adductor strength, and lower levels of sports-specific training. Adductor-related maneuvers on examination can accurately predict imaging findings. Recent studies evaluating imaging demonstrate that 3-T magnetic resonance imaging may have superior diagnostic capabilities compared to 1.5-T magnetic resonance arthrography.

Summary

The evaluation of groin pain in athletes can be challenging given the complexity of its anatomy and biomechanics. Recent updates in standardizing terminology, physical examination maneuvers, and imaging can help providers better assess athletes with groin pain. When the pain generator is unclear, image-guided diagnostic injections may be utilized.

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  1. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital-National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving St NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA

    Glenn Sapp, Steven Jow & Bryan Murtaugh

  2. Washington, USA

    Glenn Sapp

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Sapp, G., Jow, S. & Murtaugh, B. Groin Pain in Athletes. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 10, 257–264 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-022-00364-5

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