Doha agreement meeting on terminology and definitions in groin pain in athletes

Standardised measurement of physical capacity in young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain: recommendations from the first International Hip-related Pain Research Network (IHiPRN) meeting, Zurich, 2018

Hip-related pain can significantly impact quality of life, function, work capacity, physical activity and family life. Standardised measurement methods of physical capacity of relevance to young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain are currently not established. The aim of this consensus paper was to provide recommendations for clinical practice and research on standardised measurement methods of physical capacity in young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain. Four areas of importance were identified: (1) clinical measures (range of motion, muscle strength, functional impairments), (2) laboratory-based measures (biomechanics and muscle function (muscle activity, size and adiposity)), (3) physical activity, and (4) return to sport/performance. The literature was reviewed, and a summary circulated to the working group to inform discussion at the consensus meeting. The working group developed clinical and research recommendations from the literature review, which were further discussed and modified within the working group at the consensus meeting. These recommendations were then presented to all 38 International Hip-related Pain Research Network (IHiPRN) participants for further discussion, refinement and consensus voting. Therefore, the recommendations voted on were based on a combination of current evidence and expert opinion. The consensus meeting voted on 13 recommendations, six of which were clinically orientated, and seven more research specific. We recommended that clinicians working with young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain assess strength using objective methods of measurement, and clinically assess performance of functional tasks, including walking and running. Physical activity should be quantified using both self-reported and objective measures, and patient expectations of recovery should be quantified prior to treatment. It was recommended that return to physical activity (including sport and occupation) be quantified, and sport-specific activities should be assessed prior to return to sport. The IHiPRN participants were uncertain regarding recommendations for range of motion assessment. Research recommendations were that the measurement properties of range of motion, strength and functional performance tests be investigated, reported and improved in both clinical and research settings. Reporting of movement-related parameters (biomechanics and muscle function) should be standardised and the relationship among movement-related parameters, symptoms, function, quality of life, and intra-articular and imaging findings should be investigated. Quantification of return to physical activity (including sport and occupational demands) is required in future research, and the return to sport continuum should be used. Future research is required to determine the best criteria for rehabilitation progression and return to physical activity following hip-related pain management.

Early recovery after endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair in athletes with inguinal disruption: A prospective cohort study

Background

Groin pain is a common problem in athletes which results in loss of playing time. Moreover, it can be for the cause of athletic career termination. A common cause of groin pain in athletes is inguinal disruption; pain in the groin area near the pubic tubercle were no obvious other pathology exists to explain the symptoms. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair in athletes with inguinal disruption.

Methods

Thirty-one athletes with chronic groin pain due to inguinal disruption, who had undergone conservative therapy without any effect, were included in this prospective cohort study. Prior to surgery patients were assessed by clinical examination, ultrasound of the inguinal region, x-ray and a radionuclide bone scan with single photon-emission computed tomography and CT (SPECT-CT). TEP hernia repair was performed and a lightweight polypropylene mesh was placed pre-peritoneally. Additionally the athletes’ perception about their groin disability was assessed preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively by means of the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). The HAGOS consists of six subscales: Pain, Symptoms, Physical function in daily living, Physical function in Sport and Recreation, Participation in Physical Activities, and hip and/or groin-related Quality of Life.

Results

No complications occurred during and after surgery. After six weeks patients improved in all the separate subscales of the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Within 6 weeks of surgery, 26 patients (84%) returned to sports activities with no or less groin pain.

Conclusions

This study showed that endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair is an effective surgical treatment of inguinal disruption in athletes with chronic groin pain.

Surgical or conservative treatment in ARGP syndrome? A systematic review

Background and aim of the work: The rectus-adductor syndrome is a common cause of groin pain. In literature the adductor longus is reported as the most frequent site of injury so that the syndrome can be fitted into the adductor related groin pain (ARGP) group. The aim of this study was to define what is the best treatment between surgical and conservative in athletes affected by ARGP in terms of healing and return to play (RTP) time. Methods: A systematic review was performed searching for articles describing studies on RTP time for surgical or conservative interventions for ARGP. A qualitative synthesis was performed. Only 10 out 7607 articles were included in this systematic review. An exploratory meta-analysis was carried out. Due to high heterogeneity of the included studies, raw means of surgery and conservative treatment groups were pooled separately. A random effects model was used. Results: The results showed quicker RTP time for surgery when pooled raw means were compared to conservative treatments: 11,23 weeks (CI 95%, 8.18,14.28, p<0.0001, I^2=99%) vs 14,9 weeks (CI 95%, 13.05,16.76, p<0.0001, I^2 = 77%). The pooled results showed high statistical heterogeneity (I^2), especially in the surgical group. Conclusions: Surgical interventions are associated with quicker RTP time in athletes affected by ARGP, but due to the high heterogeneity of the available studies and the lack of dedicated RCTs this topic needs to be investigated with dedicated high quality RCT studies. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Elite Ice Hockey Goalkeepers Have a High Prevalence of Hip and Groin Problems Associated With Decreased Sporting Function: A Single-Season Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The modern style of goalkeeping in ice hockey is thought to predispose athletes to hip and groin problems. However, little is known about the magnitude of these problems in elite goalkeepers.

PURPOSE

To describe the incidence, prevalence, and severity of hip and groin problems in elite ice hockey goalkeepers over the course of a single season.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS

We invited all elite Swedish ice hockey goalkeepers (n = 128) to participate in this prospective cohort study. Every second week, players reported hip and groin problems experienced within the past 14 days on the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC-O), classifying problems into "all" and "substantial" hip and groin problems. Three times during the season (pre-, mid-, and end-season), players reported hip and groin function on the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) as well as on the OSTRC-O.

RESULTS

A total of 101 goalkeepers participated in the study (83.3% male [seniors, 44.1%; juniors, 39.2%], 16.7% female). The cumulative incidences of all hip and groin problems and substantial hip and groin problems were 69% (95% CI, 59%-79%) and 36% (95% CI, 26%-46%), respectively. The average biweekly prevalence for all hip and groin problems and substantial hip and groin problems was 28.1% (95% CI, 25.0%-31.3%) and 10% (95% CI, 8.7%-11.4%), respectively. Among all the reported hip and groin problems, 16.9% (n = 70) were acute, 83.1% (n = 343) were because of overuse, and 15.5% (n = 64) led to time loss. HAGOS did not differ in the pre-, mid-, or end-season. Players reporting hip and groin problems on the OSTRC-O had significantly worse HAGOS scores than players without problems (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Hip and groin problems are highly prevalent in elite ice hockey goalkeepers. During a competitive season, 69% of players experienced hip and groin problems and 36% of players suffered from substantial problems. The vast majority of problems were because of overuse, not leading to time loss but related to reduced self-reported hip and groin function.

Hip-related groin pain, patient characteristics and patient-reported outcomes in patients referred to tertiary care due to longstanding hip and groin pain: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Due to advances in hip arthroscopy, the number of surgical procedures has increased dramatically. The diagnostic challenge in patients with longstanding hip and groin pain, as well as the increasing number of hip arthroscopies, may lead to a higher number of patients referred to tertiary care for consideration for surgery. Therefore, the aims were: 1) to describe the prevalence of hip-related groin pain in patients referred to tertiary care due to longstanding hip and groin pain; and 2) to compare patient characteristics and patient-reported outcomes for patients categorized as having hip-related groin pain and those with non-hip-related groin pain.

METHODS

Eighty-one patients referred to the Department of Orthopedics at Skåne University Hospital for longstanding hip and groin pain were consecutively included and categorized into hip-related groin pain or non-hip-related groin pain using diagnostic criteria based on current best evidence (clinical examination, radiological examination and intra-articular block injection). Patient characteristics (gender (%), age (years), BMI (kg/m²)), results from the Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS), the SF-36, the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), and pain distribution (pain manikin) were collected. Parametric and non-parametric statistics were used as appropriate for between-group analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-three (47%) patients, (30% women, 70% men, p < 0.01), were categorized as having hip-related groin pain. The hip-related groin pain group had a higher activity level during adolescence (p = 0.013), and a higher pre-injury activity level (p = 0.034), compared to the non-hip-related groin pain group. No differences (mean difference (95% CI)) between hip-related groin pain and non-hip-related groin pain were observed for age (0 (- 4; 4)), BMI (- 1.75 (- 3.61; 0.12)), any HAGOS subscales (p ≥ 0.318), any SF-36 subscales (p ≥ 0.142) or pain distribution (p ≥ 0.201).

CONCLUSIONS

Only half of the patients referred to tertiary care for long-standing hip and groin pain, who were predominantly men with a high activity level, had hip-related groin pain. Self-reported pain localization and distribution did not differ between patients with hip-related groin pain and those with non-hip-related groin pain, and both patient groups had poor perceived general health, and hip-related symptoms and function.

Ultrasound-Guided Cutting Wire Release of the Proximal Adductor Longus Tendon: A Feasibility Study

Background:

Adductor longus tendinopathy is a well-known etiology of chronic groin pain in elite athletes. Surgery is indicated for those who fail conservative treatment. No studies to date have evaluated the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided release of the proximal adductor longus tendon.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided selective adductor longus release with a cutting wire. A secondary aim was to determine safety by avoiding injury to adjacent structures. We hypothesized that the proximal adductor longus tendon can be released under ultrasound guidance with a cutting wire without injury to adjacent neurovascular or genitourinary structures.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten adductor longus tendons (5 cadaveric specimens) from 4 males and 1 female between 76 and 89 years of age with a mean body mass index of 21.9 kg/m² (range, 16.8-29.6 kg/m²) were used during this study. A single experienced physician sonographer performed ultrasound-guided proximal adductor longus tendon releases on all cadaveric specimens using a cutting wire. Dissection was performed by a second physician to determine the completeness of the tendon transections and to detect injury to adjacent neurovascular or genitourinary structures.

Results:

All 10 adductor longus tendons were transected. Eight of 10 transections were complete, whereas in 2 transections, >99% of the tendon was transected. There were no injuries to adjacent genitourinary or neurovascular structures.

Conclusion:

Ultrasound-guided adductor tendon release is feasible and safe in a cadaveric model. Further translational research should be performed to determine whether these results can be replicated in the clinical setting.

Clinical Relevance:

Adductor longus tendinopathy frequently requires surgical intervention and prolonged time away from sport. The present study suggests that a selective adductor longus tendon release can be performed with ultrasound guidance. This procedure warrants further translational research to explore its use in clinical practice.

Does athletic groin pain affect the muscular co-contraction during a change of direction

BACKGROUND

Groin pain is one of the common problems in multidirectional sports. It seems that abnormal muscular activity and improper movement strategy led to prolongation and high rate of this injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to Comparing the Average amplitude of Electromyography (AEMG), co-contraction ratio (CCR) of selected thigh and thoracic muscle during turning in individuals with chronic groin pain and healthy individuals.

METHODS

Surface electromyography was collected from the internal oblique/transversus abdominis (IO/TrA), multifidus (MF), adductor Longus (AL) and gluteus Medius (GM) for AEMG and CCR analyzed in 16-males with LSGP and 16-controls in four motion phases during 11 cycles of gait coupled with turning.

RESULTS

Results revealed that in the AEMG apart from the third phase in the muscle of the IO/ Tr. A muscle and in the second phase in the MF muscle in the trunk and in the third phase in the muscle of the AL and the fourth phase in the GM foot Left There was a significant difference in other phases. There was a significant difference in the CCR, except in the second phase of the trunk and the fourth phase of the left foot in the rest of the phases.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that in athletes with LSGP, have selective muscular activation and CCR have during turning, that may be resulting in compensatory strategies and movement control defects, which may be a useful tool to predict LSGP occurrence in players with a history of groin pain.

Current trends in sport and exercise hip conditions: Intra-articular and extra-articular hip pain, with detailed focus on femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome

Musculoskeletal conditions, such as hip pain are leading causes of pain and disability. Hip pain is the second most common cause of lower limb musculoskeletal pain, and is commonly seen in active individuals. Hip and groin pain may have intra-articular and extra-articular causes. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and the associated pathologies are common intra-articular causes of hip and groin pain in active individuals. There are also a number of extra-articular causes of pain, which include musculotendinous conditions, extra-articular impingements and the clinical entities of groin pain described in the Doha agreement. This chapter will describe these, with a detailed focus on FAI syndrome. Specifically, it addresses: 1. What is and what causes FAI syndrome; 2. How do I diagnose FAI syndrome; and 3. What is the evidence-based approach to managing FAI syndrome?

Development and Validation of a Controlled Vocabulary: An OWL Representation of Organizational Structures of Trauma Centers and Trauma Systems

In trauma care and trauma care research there exists an implementation gap regarding a consistent controlled vocabulary to describe organizational aspects of trauma centers and trauma systems. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a controlled vocabulary for trauma care organizations. We give a detailed description of the involvement of domain experts in the domain analysis workflow and the authoring of definitions and additional term descriptions. Finally, the paper details the evaluation methodology to assess the initial version of the controlled vocabulary. The results of the evaluation show that our development process yields terms most of which find approval from domain experts not involved in the development. In addition, our evaluation tools resulted in valuable domain expert input to optimize the controlled vocabulary.

Lower limb biomechanics during low- and high-impact functional tasks differ between men and women with hip-related groin pain

BACKGROUND

The effect of pain on lower limb biomechanics during walking has been found to be sex specific for certain joint diseases. However, it is not known if sex is an effect-modifier in people with hip pain. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the differences in lower limb biomechanics between men and women with hip-related groin pain during functional tasks.

METHODS

65 male and 23 female football players with hip-related groin pain were recruited. Biomechanical data were recorded during walking and the single-leg drop jump. Hip, knee and ankle joint kinematics and kinetics were calculated. Differences between men and women were assessed using statistical parametric mapping.

FINDINGS

Walking: Men with hip-related groin pain walked with lower hip flexion and internal rotation angles during stance compared to women. During different sections of stance, men also displayed a lower hip adduction angle and 'external' adduction moment, a lower knee flexion angle and 'external' flexion moment, as well as greater 'external' dorsi-flexion moment and impulse. Single-leg drop jump: Men with hip-related groin pain displayed a lower hip flexion angle during early stance, and greater 'external' knee flexion and ankle dorsi-flexion moments. The impulse of the 'external' dorsi-flexion moment was also greater for men compared to women.

INTERPRETATION

Men and women with hip-related groin pain display differing lower limb biomechanics in both low and high impact tasks. Sex may therefore be a potential effect modifier in people with hip-related groin pain. Future research in this area should incorporate sex-specific analyses.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NA.

Laparoscopic Approach to Inguinal Disruption in Athletes: a Retrospective 13-Year Analysis of 198 Patients in a Single-Surgeon Setting

Background

Inguinal disruption (ID) is a condition of chronic groin pain affecting mainly athletes. ID cannot be defined as a true hernia. Pathogenesis is multifactorial due to repetitive and excessive forces applied to the inguino-pelvic region. Examination reveals tenderness to palpation of the inguinal region. Differential diagnosis is challenging; imaging is helpful for excluding other pathologies. Surgery is the treatment of choice when conservative treatment fails. Primary aim of the study was to evaluate the time to return to full sport activity after transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) technique in ID. Secondary aim was to evaluate the postoperative complication rate both in the immediate post-operative time and in 1 year follow-up and to verify the relapse rate after surgery. In this study, we consider time to return to full sport activity as the time needed to return to pre-injury sport activity.

Results

A retrospective study is reported by evaluating 198 cases of ID from a single surgeon experience. All patients failed a previous conservative treatment. All cases were treated with the TAPP approach. Time to return to full sport activity was 4 weeks for 94.4% of patients, with a total of 98.5% of active patients at 9 months. Post-operative inguinal pain was the main complication (9.1%). On 13 years follow-up, we report a recurrence rate of 2.5%.

Conclusions

Current management algorithm for ID, in professional athletes, supports the role of surgery after at least 2 months of conservative treatment. Recently, the role of surgery has been highlighted for a definitive treatment and a faster full recovery to sport activity, especially for elite professional athletes. In our opinion, laparoscopic surgery is the mainstay for non-responsive ID treatment. We present a long-term retrospective evaluation of a wide cohort of professional athletes diagnosed and treated in a systematic way.

Characteristics of groin hernia repair in patients without a groin hernia: a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Sports hernia is a condition with longstanding groin pain without an obvious pathology. Even though no hernia is present, some of these patients have a groin hernia repair to relieve the pain. The aim of this study was to establish an overview of patient characteristics and surgical techniques in patients that have a groin hernia repair without a hernia present.

METHODS

This cohort study is based on nationwide data on hernia repairs from the Danish Hernia Database. Patients having a primary groin hernia repair without having a hernia between 1998 and 2011 were included and followed for minimum 4 years. We evaluated patient characteristics, type of surgery, and re-operation rates for laparoscopic and open surgeries.

RESULTS

Groin hernia repairs were performed in 1,028 groins where no hernia was present. The median follow-up after primary surgery was 11 years (range 4-17). Men represented 78% of the patients, and the mean age was 50 years (standard deviation 16.4). The most frequent type of surgery was the open Lichtenstein repair. The overall re-operation rate was 7% and this was evenly distributed across the different types of primary surgeries with no difference in neither the crude nor the cumulated re-operation rates. During re-operation, a groin hernia was found in 88% of the repairs.

CONCLUSION

Groin hernia repairs in groins without a hernia are performed at all ages and with the typical patient being a middle-aged man receiving an open mesh repair.

The effect of compression shorts on pain and performance in male football players with groin pain - A double blinded randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of compression shorts on pain and performance in football players with groin pain.

STUDY DESIGN

Double blinded randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Soccer pitch.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-four male football players with groin pain.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The effect of wearing zoned high compression shorts (ZHC-shorts), non-zoned low compression shorts (NZLC-shorts), and normal sports clothes on pain measured with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and performance during the Copenhagen 5-s squeeze test (CS), the Illinois Agility test (IAT), and maximum shooting (ST). The effects of wearing ZHC versus NZLC shorts on symptoms were measured using the Hip and groin outcome score (HAGOS) during actual football activities.

RESULTS

Wearing ZHC-shorts reduced pain during the IAT (1.4, ES = 0.58, p= <0.01) and ST (1.2, ES = 0.47, p= <0.01) compared to wearing normal sports clothes, but did not negatively affect performance. Compared to the baseline HAGOS scores a clinically significant improvement in the symptoms (9.7, ES = 0.63, p= <0.01) and sport/recreation (13.2, ES = 0.68, p = 0.01) subscales was found when wearing the ZHC-short during football activities.

CONCLUSION

Wearing zoned high compression shorts could be useful in reducing groin pain in football players during their football activities.

Long-standing groin pain in contact sports: a prospective case-control and MRI study

Objectives

We aimed to prospectively evaluate the prevalence of long-standing groin pain and related MRI findings in contact sports.

Methods

This case–control study followed three male elite-level soccer, ice-hockey and bandy teams (102 players) for 2 years. All athletes with long-standing groin pain lasting >30 days and age-matched controls (1:3) from the same teams were examined clinically, using pelvic MRI and Hip and Groin Outcome Scores (HAGOS). Primary outcome measures were annual prevalence of groin pain and underlying MRI findings.

Results

The annual prevalence of chronic groin pain was 7.5%. Training characteristics and pain scores of athletes were similar in all teams. On MRI, there was no significant difference in the percentage of pubic bone marrow oedema (p = 0.80) between symptomatic players (8/15; 53%) versus controls (20/43; 47%), but adductor tendinopathy and degenerative changes at the pubic symphysis were twice more common among players with pain. Rectus muscle or iliopsoas pathology were seldom observed. Lower HAGOS subscales (p < 0.01) were recorded in players who experienced groin pain compared with the controls.

Conclusion

Long-standing groin pain was observed annually in 1 of 14 athletes in contact sports. Abnormalities in the pubic symphysis were common MRI findings in both symptomatic and asymptomatic players.

Trial registration number

NCT02560480

Hip Arthroscopic Management Can Improve Osteitis Pubis and Bone Marrow Edema in Competitive Soccer Players With Femoroacetabular Impingement

BACKGROUND

There is a dearth of knowledge regarding the correlation between femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and osteitis pubis (OP) among symptomatic soccer players.

PURPOSE

To elucidate whether arthroscopic FAI correction is effective for young competitive soccer players with FAI combined with OP or perisymphyseal pubic bone marrow edema (BME).

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A total of 577 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic FAI correction were retrospectively reviewed with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Competitive soccer players who were professional, college, and high school athletes were included. The authors assessed the modified Harris Hip Score and Nonarthritic Hip Score preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. In addition, players were divided into groups according to radiographic evidence of OP and BME (2 groups each). Clinical outcomes, return to play, and radiographic assessments were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight hips met the inclusion criteria. The median modified Harris Hip Score significantly improved after hip arthroscopy (81.4, preoperatively; 95.7 at 6 months, P = .0065; 100 at 1 year, P = .0098; 100 at 2 years, P = .013). The median Nonarthritic Hip Score also significantly improved (75.0, preoperatively; 96.3 at 6 months, P = .015; 98.8 at 1 year, P = .0029; 100 at 2 years, P = .015). Furthermore, 92.0% of players returned to play soccer at the same or higher level of competition at a median 5.5 months (range, 4-15 months); 67.8% had radiological confirmation of OP; and 35.7% had pubic BME. The alpha angle was significantly higher in pubic BME group than the no-pubic BME group (64.8° vs 59.2°, P = .027), although there was no significant difference between the OP and no-OP groups. The prevalence of tenderness of the pubic symphysis significantly decreased preoperatively (32.1%) to postoperatively (3.6%). Magnetic resonance imaging findings confirmed that pubic BME disappeared in all players at a median 11 months (range, 6-36) after initial surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic management for FAI provides favorable clinical outcomes, a high rate of return to sports, and, when present, resolution of pubic BME among competitive soccer players.

Patient-reported outcome and muscle-tendon pain after periacetabular osteotomy are related: 1-year follow-up in 82 patients with hip dysplasia

Background and purpose - Larger prospective studies investigating periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) with patient-reported outcome measures developed for young patients are lacking. We investigated changes in patient-reported outcome (PRO), changes in muscle-tendon pain, and any associations between them from before to 1 year after PAO. Patients and methods - Outcome after PAO was investigated in 82 patients. PRO was investigated with the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Muscle-tendon pain in the hip and groin region was identified with standardized clinical tests, and any associations between them were analyzed with multivariable linear regressions. Results - HAGOS subscales improved statistically significantly from before to 1 year after PAO with effect sizes ranging from medium to very large (0.66-1.37). Muscle-tendon pain in the hip and groin region showed a large decrease in prevalence from 74% (95% CI 64-83) before PAO to 35% (95% CI 25-47) 1 year after PAO. Statistically significant associations were observed between changes in HAGOS and change in the sum of muscle-tendon pain, ranging from -4.7 (95% CI -8.4 to -1.0) to -8.2 (95% CI -13 to -3.3) HAGOS points per extra painful entity across all subscales from before to 1 year after PAO. Interpretation - Patients with hip dysplasia experience medium to very large improvements in PRO 1 year after PAO, associated with decreased muscle-tendon pain. The understanding of hip dysplasia as solely a joint disease should be reconsidered since muscle-tendon pain seems to play an important role in relation to the outcome after PAO.

Hip and groin injury is the most common non-time-loss injury in female amateur football

PURPOSE

Hip and groin injuries in football are problematic due to their high incidence and risk of chronicity and recurrence. The use of only time-loss injury definitions may underestimate the burden of hip and groin injuries. Little is known about hip and groin injury epidemiology in female football. The first aim of this study was to examine the within-season (2014-2015) prevalence of total injury with and without time-loss in female amateur football players. The second aim was to study the within-season and preseason (2015-2016) prevalence of hip/groin injuries with and without time-loss. The third aim was to study the association between the duration of hip and groin injury in the 2014-2015 season and the severity of hip/groin problems during the 2015-2016 preseason.

METHODS

During the preseason, 434 Dutch female amateur football players completed an online questionnaire based on the previous season and current preseason. The hip and groin outcome score (HAGOS) was used to assess the severity of hip and groin injuries.

RESULTS

The hip/groin (17%), knee (14%), and ankle (12%) were the most frequent non-time-loss injury locations. The ankle (22%), knee (18%), hamstring (11%), thigh (10%), and hip/groin (9%) were the most common time-loss injury locations. The previous season prevalence of total injury was 93%, of which non-time-loss injury was 63% and time-loss injury was 37%. The prevalence of hip/groin injury was 40%, non-time-loss hip/groin injury was 36% and time-loss hip/groin injury was 11%. The preseason prevalence of hip/groin injury was 27%, non-time-loss hip/groin injury was 25%, and time-loss hip/groin injury was 4%. Players with longstanding hip/groin injury (> 28 days) in the previous season had lower HAGOS scores at the next preseason than players with short-term (1-7 days) or no hip/groin injury (p < 0.001). From all players with hip/groin injury from the previous season, 52% also sustained hip/groin injury in the following preseason, of which 73% were recurrent and 27% were chronic hip/groin injuries.

CONCLUSION

Injury risk, and especially non-time-loss hip and groin injury risk, is high in female amateur football. Three-quarters of the players with longstanding hip and groin injuries in the previous season have residual problems at the start of the following season.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Exercise Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Groin Pain and Injury in Athletes: A Critical and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Groin injury is a common musculoskeletal complaint for athletes competing in a variety of sports. The extent to which exercise interventions incorporating external load are an appropriate option for the treatment and prevention of groin injury in athletes is not yet clear.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to describe and evaluate exercise therapy interventions and outcomes for the treatment and prevention of groin injury with specific attention to application of external load.

DATA SOURCES

The databases Medline, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched on 18 April 2016.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This review was registered as PROSPERO CRD42016037752 and a systematic search was conducted with the following inclusion criteria: any study design evaluating exercise interventions for the prevention or treatment of groin pain in athletes.

DATA ANALYSIS

Two independent authors screened search results, performed data extraction, assessed risk of bias using the modified Downs and Black appraisal tool and determined strength and level of evidence. Reporting standards for exercise interventions were assessed using the Consensus for Exercise Reporting Template (CERT).

RESULTS

A total of 1320 titles were identified with 14 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria, four (29%) of which demonstrated low risk of bias. Ten (71%) studies utilised external load as a component of the exercise intervention. Reporting standards for exercise intervention scores ranged from 0 to 63%.

CONCLUSION

There is limited evidence from level 2 and 3 studies indicating exercise therapy may reduce the incidence and hazard risk of sustaining a groin injury in athletes. There is strong evidence from level 4 studies indicating exercise therapy is beneficial as a treatment for groin injury in athletes in terms of symptom remission, return to sport and recurrence outcomes. However, there are limited studies with low risk of bias, and exercise interventions for the treatment of groin injury are poorly described.

[Groin pain in athletes : What does the sports physician expect from the radiologist?]

BACKGROUND

Especially in sports like professional football (soccer) making a diagnosis and generating a final prognosis concerning the time loss is demanding for the team physician and the radiologist. Therefore, the radiologist has to fulfill the requests concerning availability and quality of imaging. This is a particularly difficult task for groin pain because it can be caused by a variety of pathologies.

OBJECTIVES

In addition to the question what the sports physician expects from the radiologist, we have to look at which information the radiologist needs to answer the raised questions. Which external circumstances make a change of the normal procedures necessary when supporting athletes?

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Close collaboration between the radiologist and sports physician guarantees that the raised questions from the athlete and the club concerning time loss and necessary therapy can be answered. Thus, the sports physician has to give the radiologist detailed information regarding symptoms, location of the pain and other clinical findings. The radiologist has to include this information into the interpretation of the images to distinguish safely between findings caused by the actual injury and those which are pre-existing.

Sports Hernia/Athletic Pubalgia Among Women

Background:

“Athletic pubalgia,” a term that has gained acceptance over “sports hernia,” is more common in men than women; however, it represents a significant source of morbidity for patients of both sexes. Inconsistent terminology surrounding this entity poses a diagnostic challenge and makes studying the populations at risk difficult.

Purpose:

To review a case series of women with athletic pubalgia by analyzing their presentations, concomitant pathologies, and surgical outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between 2013 and 2016, 197 patients were seen and evaluated for the diagnosis of athletic pubalgia. Eighteen patients seen during this time were women. All patients received “pubalgia protocol” magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent surgical intervention for their pathologies. Outcomes among 17 women were assessed with a patient questionnaire >1 year after surgery.

Results:

Of the 17 women, 9 had rectus aponeurotic plate injury only, or pure athletic pubalgia; the remaining 8 had athletic pubalgia in combination with ≥1 inguinal, obturator, and femoral hernias. Regarding female patients in both groups, 88.2% reported that the surgery was a success at follow-up.

Conclusion:

Surgical repair of athletic pubalgia among women is successful in dramatically reducing pain levels in this important subset of patients.

Risk Factors for Groin Injury and Groin Symptoms in Elite-Level Soccer Players: A Cohort Study in the Dutch Professional Leagues

Background Groin injury and groin symptoms are common in soccer players. The relationship of groin injury and groin symptoms to reduced hip range of motion (ROM) and previous injury is unclear. Objectives To conduct a retrospective assessment of associations between previous injury and preseason hip ROM and preseason prevalence of severe groin symptoms, and to prospectively identify risk factors for within-season groin injury. Methods During the period of 2015 to 2016, 190 players from 9 Dutch professional soccer clubs participated in this cohort study with prospective and retrospective elements. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to predict preseason severe groin symptoms, identified using the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score, from a history of previous groin injury, general injury (minimum of 1 week in duration) in the previous season, and hip ROM. Cox regression was used to predict within-season groin injury. Results Point prevalence of severe groin symptoms was 24% and within-season incidence of groin injury was 11%. Total, training, and match groin injury incidences were 0.5, 0.2, and 2.6 injuries per 1000 playing hours, respectively. A history of more than 1 previous groin injury was associated with current severe groin symptoms (odds ratio = 3.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 8.3; P = .038). General injury sustained in the previous season (ankle, knee, thigh, shoulder; median, 9 weeks of time loss) was a risk factor for groin injury (hazard ratio = 5.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.8, 14.6; P = .003). Conclusion Severe injuries in the previous season to locations other than the groin increase the risk of groin injury the next season. A history of groin injury is associated with current severe groin symptoms. Preseason hip ROM does not identify players at risk for groin injury. Level of Evidence Prevention, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(9):704-712. Epub 23 May 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7990.

Groin pain in athletes and non-interventional rehabilitative treatment: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Groin pain is a common complaint both in high-performance and recreational athletes. Diagnosis is based on the patient's history and physical examination. Imaging assessments are often considered to exclude other pathologies. To date there is no strong evidence to support conservative or surgical treatment options. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the more effective non-interventional rehabilitative treatments for the management of groin pain in athletes and, if possible, provide guidelines useful for clinical practice.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scopus, Web of Science, Google and Google Scholar. Databases were investigated from January 1997 until March 2017.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The results reported in the randomized clinical trial studies highlight that active treatment is better than passive treatment to improve clinical signs of groin pain. Comparing the active strategy with multi-modal treatment the latter allows a faster return to sport activity. Although the evidence remains poor, all the included literature highlights that an integrated strategy which combines active and passive treatment, the assessment of perceived pain, a return to running program and specific-sport exercises is an effective strategy for management of groin pain in athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we shed some light on common key aspects able to improve the typical signs of groin pain, on the basis of available data we were unable to provide practice guidelines. Further studies are necessary to set the best treatment algorithm for the management of groin pain in athletes.

Muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography are common in symptomatic hip dysplasia

INTRODUCTION

Hip dysplasia is characterized by reduced acetabular coverage of the femoral head leading to an increased mechanical load on the hip joint and the acting hip muscles. Potentially, the muscles and tendons functioning close to the hip joint may present with overuse-related ultrasonography findings. The primary aim was to report the prevalence of muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography in 100 patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia. The secondary aim was to investigate correlations between muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography and clinically identified pain related to muscles and tendons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred patients (17 men) with a mean age of 29 ± 9 years were included. Muscle-tendon-related abnormalities were detected with a standardized ultrasound examination. Correlations between muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography and clinically identified pain related to muscles and tendons were tested with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The most prevalent ultrasonography findings were identified in the iliopsoas tendon [50% (95% CI 40; 60)], the adductor longus tendon [31% (95% 22; 40)] and the gluteus medius/minimus tendons [27% (18; 36)]. Significant correlations between ultrasonography findings and pain related to muscles and tendons were only found for the iliopsoas tendon (ρ = 0.24 and p = 0.02) and the gluteus medius/minimus tendons (ρ = 0.35 and p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography in the hip and groin region are common in patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia, and the ultrasonography findings of the iliopsoas and gluteus medius/minimus tendons are weakly to moderately correlated to pain related to muscles and tendons in these structures. Both the iliopsoas and the gluteus medius/minimus have a pronounced stabilizing role in the dysplastic hip joint, and the common muscle-tendon-related abnormalities in these patients may be caused by injuries related to excessive use or degenerative changes in the muscle-tendon tissue.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Arthrography in Detecting Intra-articular Pathology Associated with Femoroacetabular Impingement

Purpose  The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) in the detection of intra-articular lesions of the hip in patients affected by femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) by using arthroscopy as reference standard.

Methods  Twenty-nine consecutive hip arthroscopies performed in 24 patients were considered for the study. Patients had a mean age of 38.3 years. Ultrasound-guided 1.5-T MRA was performed with precontrast short tau inversion recovery, T1-weighted and PD coronal, T1-weighted, and T2-weighted axial with 3-mm-thick slice sequences, and postcontrast T1-weighted fat saturation MRA (Fat-SAT) axial, coronal and oblique sagittal, and T1-weighted Vibe 3D coronal sequences with MPR sagittal, axial, and radial reconstructions with 2-mm-thick slice and coronal density protonil (DP) Fat-SAT. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MRA were evaluated by comparison arthroscopy for the following intra-articular findings: acetabular and femoral chondral lesions, labral degeneration, labral tears, synovitis, ligamentum teres (LT) tears, CAM lesions, pincer lesions, loose bodies, and osteophytes.

Results  An absolute per cent agreement (100%) was observed for all the variables in the assessment of CAM lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MRA were 100, 68.4, 72.7, and 100%, respectively, for acetabular chondral lesions; 100, 50, 47.3, and 100%, respectively, for femoral chondral lesions; 33, 85, 20, and 91.6%, respectively, for labral tears; 95, 71, 91.3, and 83.3%, respectively, for labral degeneration; 100, 88, 57.1, and 100%, respectively, for LT tears; 33.3, 85, 50, and 73.9%, respectively, for pincer lesions; 50, 96, 66.6, and 92.3%, respectively, for intra-articular loose bodies; and 100, 73.9, 50, and 100%, respectively, for osteophytes.

Conclusion  MRA may play an important role in detecting intra-articular lesions associated with FAI. This might be helpful for the preoperative planning before hip arthroscopy.

Level of Evidence  This is a Level 2, diagnostic accuracy study compared with gold standard.

Time to get our four priorities right: an 8-year prospective investigation of 1326 player-seasons to identify the frequency, nature, and burden of time-loss injuries in elite Gaelic football

Managing injury risk requires an understanding of how and when athletes sustain certain injuries. Such information guides organisations in establishing evidence-based priorities and expectations for managing injury risk. In order to minimise the impact of sports injuries, attention should be directed towards injuries that occur frequently, induce substantial time-loss, and elevate future risk. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the rate at which elite Gaelic football players sustain different time-loss injuries during match-play and training activities. Datasets (n = 38) from elite Gaelic football teams (n = 17) were received by the National Gaelic Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Database from 2008 to 2016. A total of 1,614 time-loss injuries were analysed. Each season teams sustained 24.0 (interquartile ranges) (IQR 16.0–32.0) and 15.0 (IQR 10.0–19.0) match-play and training injuries, respectively. When exposure was standardised to 1,000 h, greater rates of injury (12.9, 95% CI [11.7–14.3]) and time-loss days (13.4, 95% CI [12.3–14.9]) were sustained in match-play than in training. Acute injury rates were 3.1-times (95% CI [2.7–3.4]) greater than chronic/overuse injuries. Similarly, non-contact injury rates were 2.8-times (95% CI [2.5–3.2]) greater than contact injuries. A total of 71% of injuries in elite Gaelic football affected five lower limb sites. Four lower limb-related clinical entities accounted for 40% of all time-loss injuries (hamstring, 23%; ankle sprain, 7%; adductor-related, 6%; quadriceps strain, 5%). Thus, most risk management and rehabilitation strategies need to be centred around five lower limb sites—and just four clinical entities. Beyond these, it may be highly unlikely that reductions in injury susceptibility can be attributed to specific team interventions. Thus, compliance with national databases is necessary to monitor injury-related metrics and future endeavours to minimise injury risk.

Articular and peri-articular hip lesions in soccer players. The importance of imaging in deciding which lesions will need surgery and which can be treated conservatively?

Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide engaging millions of participants each year. During play, injuries occur rather frequently and most of them involve the hip joint and the surrounding structure. In professional athletes, injuries are often complex scenarios and in the case of misdiagnosis, patients' return to play is delayed or it may progress to a more serious injury with consequent damage for their career and for the soccer team. The most frequent articular pathologies are Femoro-acetabular impingement and labral tears. Stress fracture, avulsion, ischiofemoral impingement, subspine impingement, athletic pubalgia, muscle injuries and Morel-Levallèe lesion are the most frequent hip peri-articular pathologies whereas snapping hip may be both intra- or extra-articular pathology. With an increasing number of football players, the radiologist plays a crucial role in the detection and characterization of the extent of the injuries. This article reviews the current imaging concepts frequently seen in injuries around the hips of professional football players focusing in particular on the most suitable therapeutic approaches, whether surgical or conservative.

Injuries of the obturator muscles in professional soccer players

PURPOSE

Obturator externus and internus muscular tears are uncommon injuries. Only a few case reports exist, mainly in high-level athletes. Our aim is to describe a series of obturator externus and internus muscular tears in professional soccer players.

METHODS

Injury data from four teams from the First Division of the Spanish Soccer League were collected over a total of four seasons. Any soccer player who sustained an injury to either the obturator externus or internus identified on magnetic resonance (MRI) was included. All injured players were treated non-operatively with a goal of returning to play as fast as possible.

RESULTS

Sixteen players sustained injuries to the obturator externus and internus during matches or training sessions. The main complaint was anterior hip pain with a physical examination showing pain during internal rotation or external rotation of the flexed hip. The MRI documented 12 muscular tears of the obturator externus, and 4 muscular tears of the obturator internus. All injuries were treated conservatively based on physical therapy, analgesic medications, and underwent a symptoms-based rehabilitation protocol. Mean return to play was 11.5  ±  8.8 days.

CONCLUSION

Although uncommon, tears of the obturator externus and internus occur in professional soccer players. The MRI scan was essential to the location, classification, and evaluation of the injury size. The clinical relevance of our investigation is based on the relatively benign prognosis of these injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Sub-elite Football Players With Hip-Related Groin Pain and a Positive Flexion, Adduction, and Internal Rotation Test Exhibit Distinct Biomechanical Differences Compared With the Asymptomatic Side

Background Hip-related groin pain is common in sub-elite football players and may be associated with altered hip biomechanics. Objectives To compare the hip biomechanics, bony hip morphology associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome, and hip strength and range of motion (ROM) between the symptomatic and asymptomatic limbs of sub-elite football players with unilateral hip-related groin pain and a positive flexion, adduction, and internal rotation (FADIR) test. Methods Fifteen sub-elite football (soccer) players with unilateral hip-related groin pain and a positive FADIR test were recruited for this observational cross-sectional study. Three-dimensional motion analysis and ground reaction force data were recorded for walking and a single-leg drop-jump (SLDJ) task. Participants also underwent a standard anterior-posterior hip radiograph and hip strength and ROM assessment. Between-limb differences were assessed using paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results The symptomatic limb displayed a smaller peak hip extension angle (P = .01) and a lower peak hip adduction moment (P = .03) compared with the asymptomatic limb during the stance phase of walking. Additionally, during the SLDJ, the symptomatic limb demonstrated less total sagittal plane ROM (P = .04). The symptomatic limb also demonstrated less external rotation ROM (P = .03). However, no differences were found between limbs for bony hip morphology associated with FAI syndrome or hip strength. Conclusion This study found between-limb asymmetries in low- and high-impact functional tasks, such as walking and an SLDJ, in football players with unilateral hip-related groin pain. Despite unilateral pain, bony morphology associated with FAI syndrome did not differ between limbs. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(7):584-593. Epub 8 May 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7910.

Multidisciplinary Assessment of 100 Athletes With Groin Pain Using the Doha Agreement: High Prevalence of Adductor-Related Groin Pain in Conjunction With Multiple Causes

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of different causes of groin pain in athletes using the recent Doha consensus classification of terminology and definitions of groin pain in athletes.

DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiological study.

SETTING

Multidisciplinary sports groin pain clinic at Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.

PATIENTS

The clinical records of 100 consecutive athletes with complaints of groin pain who attended the multidisciplinary sports groin pain clinic between January and December 2014 were analyzed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The causes of groin pain were categorized according to terminology and definitions agreed upon at the Doha consensus meeting on groin pain classification in athletes. The classification system has 3 main subheadings; defined clinical entities for groin pain (adductor-related, iliopsoas-related, inguinal-related, and pubic-related groin pain), hip-related groin pain, and other causes of groin pain in athletes.

RESULTS

The majority of athletes were male (98%) soccer players (60%). Multiple causes for groin pain were found in 44% of the athletes. Adductor-related groin pain was the most prevalent defined clinical entity (61% of athletes), and pubic-related groin pain was the least prevalent (4% of athletes).

CONCLUSIONS

Adductor-related groin pain is the most commonly occurring clinical entity in this athlete population in mainly kicking and change of direction sports and frequently, multiple causes are found.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This is the first study to use the Doha agreement classification system and highlights the prevalence of adductor-related groin pain and that often multiple clinical entities contribute to an athlete's groin pain. Consequently, prevention programs should be implemented with these factors in mind.

Imaging of inguinal-related groin pain in athletes

Inguinal canal-related groin pain is common in athletes and may involve numerous structures such as the conjoint tendon and the transversalis fascia. Ultrasound is the only dynamic tool that shows the passage of preperitoneal fat at the level of the Hesselbach triangle and allows excluding true inguinal hernias. Fascia transversalis bulging and inguinal ring dilatation may also be described. MRI assesses injuries of rectus abdominis and adductor longus enthesis and osteitis symphysis but its accuracy for the diagnosis of inguinal-related groin pain remains debated.

The Adductor Strengthening Programme prevents groin problems among male football players: a cluster-randomised controlled trial

Background

Groin injuries represent a considerable problem in male football. Previous groin-specific prevention programmes have not shown a significant reduction in groin injury rates. An exercise programme using the Copenhagen Adduction exercise increases hip adduction strength, a key risk factor for groin injuries. However, its preventive effect is yet to be tested.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of a single-exercise approach, based on the Copenhagen Adduction exercise, on the prevalence of groin problems in male football players.

Methods

35 semiprofessional Norwegian football teams were cluster-randomised into an intervention group (18 teams, 339 players) and a control group (17 teams, 313 players). The intervention group performed an Adductor Strengthening Programme using one exercise, with three progression levels, three times per week during the preseason (6–8 weeks), and once per week during the competitive season (28 weeks). The control group were instructed to train as normal. The prevalence of groin problems was measured weekly in both groups during the competitive season using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire.

Results

The average prevalence of groin problems during the season was 13.5% (95% CI 12.3% to 14.7%) in the intervention group and 21.3% (95% CI 20.0% to 22.6%) in the control group. The risk of reporting groin problems was 41% lower in the intervention group (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.86, p=0.008).

Conclusion

The simple Adductor Strengthening Programme substantially reduced the self-reported prevalence and risk of groin problems in male football players.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN98514933.

Editorial Commentary: Caveat Flexor-To Release or Not to Release the Iliopsoas, That Is the Question

In nonarthritic patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, borderline dysplasia, and symptomatic iliopsoas snapping, arthroscopic iliopsoas fractional lengthening carries a significant risk of postarthroscopic instability. The iliopsoas is a dynamic stabilizer of the anterior hip. Thus, although statistically significant and clinically important improvements in hip function have the potential to be achieved with iliopsoas fractional lengthening, surgeons must be supremely confident in their ability to perform a secure capsular plication, labral preservation (not debridement), comprehensive cam correction, avoidance of intra-abdominal fluid extravasation, release of all iliopsoas tendon bands (if bifid or trifid), and ensure that femoral version is normal or low, neck-shaft angle is not excessively valgus, the dysplasia magnitude is no more than mild, and that there is no excessive soft tissue hypermobility. If these goals can be met, then excellent outcomes can be achieved. If not, then an iliopsoas fractional lengthening should not be performed.

Endoscopic Proximal Adductor Lengthening for Chronic Adductor-Related Groin Pain

Proximal adductor injuries are relatively common groin injuries in athletes. Various tenotomy techniques have been described including open, partial, and percutaneous approaches. Current techniques help most athletes return to sport; however, many develop adductor weakness. Moreover, the procedures lack full visualization of the tendon and do not allow for return to athletes' preinjury level of play. We describe an endoscopic z-lengthening of the proximal adductor tendon with the potential to minimize complications associated with open procedures such as incisional pain and neurovascular injury while affording a more complete tenotomy than current percutaneous techniques. This is a safe and reproducible technique that allows for release of tension as a result of pathologic adductor tendon pathologies.

Assessment of cam morphology of the hip with ultra sound imaging by physical therapists is reliable and valid

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is considered present when a combination of clinical symptoms, signs and morphological features of the hip co-exist. Imaging is increasingly popular in primary health care settings with physical therapists performing ultrasound (US).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy and inter-rater reliability of ultrasound in determining presence of cam morphology.

DESIGN

A concurrent validity and inter-rater reliability study.

METHODS

The presence of cam morphology of the hip was determined by α angle measures using Kinovea software. A cam was defined present when the α angle >60°. The index test was US and radiographs served as a gold standard.

RESULTS

Correlation between the radiographic α angle and ultrasound measures was r = 0.82 (p < 0.01). Inter-rater reliability was high with an ICC of 0.74 (95% CI 0.61-0.84). The predictive value for presence of cam morphology had a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 94%. The positive predictive value was 79% whereas the negative predictive value was 94%. Total accuracy was 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound conducted by trained physical therapists is a valid, reliable, specific and sensitive diagnostic tool to assess the presence of cam morphology.

Extra-articular Debridement of Hip Joint for Management of Anterior Hip Pain

Groin pain is a common problem that is known to be a complex issue. The wide variety of possible pathologies in numerous anatomical structures contributes to this complexity. For patients who have anterior hip pain in Patrick's test and tenderness at Scarpa's triangle, we perform periarticular debridement based on the hypothesis that rectus femoris tendinosis, subacute/chronic fibrosis of the anterior inferior iliac spine fat pad, and gluteal muscle adhesion are responsible for such anterior hip pain. This Technical note illustrates the surgical procedure of periarticular debridement for extra-articular pathology-associated anterior hip pain. Repair of the injured labrum and correction of femoroacetabular impingement deformity have never been performed in this cohort. Arthroscopic periarticular debridement is a reliable surgical technique that can relieve anterior hip pain and provide a rapid to return to normal activities.

Movement Patterns and Muscular Function Before and After Onset of Sports-Related Groin Pain: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

Background

Sports-related groin pain (SRGP) is a common entity in rotational sports such as football, rugby and hockey, accounting for 12–18 % of injuries each year, with high recurrence rates and often prolonged time away from sport.

Objective

This systematic review synthesises movement and muscle function findings to better understand deficits and guide rehabilitation.

Study Selection

Prospective and retrospective cross-sectional studies investigating muscle strength, flexibility, cross-sectional area, electromyographic activation onset and magnitude in patients with SRGP were included.

Search Methods

Four databases (MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, EBSCOhost and EMBASE) were searched in June 2014. Studies were critiqued using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index, and a meta-analysis was performed.

Results

Seventeen studies (14 high quality, 3 low quality; 8 prospective and 9 retrospective) were identified. Prospective findings: moderate evidence indicated decreased hip abduction flexibility as a risk factor for SRGP. Limited or very limited evidence suggested that decreased hip adduction strength during isokinetic testing at ~119°/s was a risk factor for SRGP, but no associations were found at ~30°/s or ~210°/s, or with peak torque angle. Decreased hip abductor strength in angular velocity in ~30°/s but not in ~119°/s and ~210°/s was found as a risk factor for SRGP. No relationships were found with hip internal or external rotation range of movement, nor isokinetic knee extension strength. Decreased isokinetic knee flexion strength also was a potential risk factor for SRGP, at a speed ~60°/s. Retrospective findings: there was strong evidence of decreased hip adductor muscle strength during a squeeze test at 45°, and decreased total hip external rotation range of movement (sum of both legs) being associated with SRGP. There was strong evidence of no relationship to abductor muscle strength nor unilateral hip internal and external rotation range of movement. Moderate evidence suggested that increased abduction flexibility and no change in total hip internal rotation range of movement (sum of both legs) were retrospectively associated with SRGP. Limited or very limited evidence (significant findings only) indicated decreased hip adductor muscle strength during 0° and 30° squeeze tests and during an eccentric hip adduction test, but a decrease in the isometric adductors-to-abductors strength ratio at speed 120°/s; decreased abductors-to-adductors activation ratio in the early phase in the moving leg as well as in all three phases in the weight-bearing leg during standing hip flexion; and increased hip flexors strength during isokinetic and decrease in transversus abdominis muscle resting thickness associated with SRGP.

Conclusions

There were a number of significant movement and muscle function associations observed in athletes both prior to and following the onset of SRGP. The strength of findings was hampered by the lack of consistent terminology and diagnostic criteria, with there being clear guides for future research. Nonetheless, these findings should be considered in rehabilitation and prevention planning.

MRI in chronic groin pain: sequence diagnostic reliability compared to systematic surgical assessment

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in chronic groin pain (CGP) compared to surgery and try to propose a suitable MRI protocol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-three consecutive patients with resistant clinical CGP underwent a pre-surgical pelvis MRI. Eight MRI sequences were acquired: axial fast spin-echo T1-weighted (FSE T1), coronal FSE T1, axial-oblique (in symphysis plane) proton density weighted with fat saturation (PDFS), coronal PDFS, sagittal PDFS, axial FSE T1 with fat saturation and gadolinium enhancement (FSGE), coronal FSE T1 FSGE and axial FSE T1 with Valsalva maneuver (VM). These sequences were reviewed for pubic symphysis assessment, adductor longus (AL) tendon and abdominal wall (AW) injuries. The same surgeon operated on all of these patients (26 AL and 49 AW). Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative prospective value (NPV) and accuracy of each sequence and combinations for AL or AW injuries were calculated in comparison to surgical findings.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-two sequences were obtained. Coronal T1 FSGE and axial T1 VM proved to be the most reliable sequences (accuracy: 91.67% in AL and 83.33% in AW). The best sequence combination was coronal T1, axial PDFS, sagittal PDFS and axial T1 VM (accuracy: 77.78%; Se: 100.00%, Sp: 69.23%, PPV: 55.56%, NPV: 100.00%).

CONCLUSION

MRI has 77.78% accuracy, 100.00% sensitivity, 69.23% specificity, 55.56% PPV and 100.00% NPV in evaluating CGP, with coronal T1-axial PDFS-sagittal PDFS-axial T1 VM as the optimal protocol in terms of diagnostic performance within a reasonable scan time. Diagnostic performance of MRI was examined in the evaluation of CGP using surgery as reference standard.

Novel pathomorphologic classification of capsulo-articular lesions of the pubic symphysis in athletes to predict treatment and outcome

INTRODUCTION

Radiographic abnormalities of the symphysis as well as the formation of accessory clefts, indicating injury at the rectus-adductor aponeurosis, reportedly relate to longstanding groin pain in athletes. However, yet, no systematic classification for clinical and scientific purposes exists. We aimed to (1) create a radiographic classification based on symphysography; (2) test intra- and interobserver reliability; (3) characterise clinical significance of the morphologic patterns by evaluating success of injection therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed symphysography, AP radiographs, and MRI of the pelvis from 70 consecutive competitive athletes, with chronic groin pain. Symphysographs were evaluated for intra- and interobserver variance using cohen's kappa statistics. Morphologic studies of the different contrast distribution patterns and their clinical and radiological correlation with symptom relief were investigated. All patients were followed up to evaluate immediate and long-term response to the initial therapeutic injection with steroid.

RESULTS

Four reproducible symphysographic patterns were identified: type 0, no changes; type 1, symphyseal disk degeneration; types 2a with unilateral clefts, bilateral clefts (2b), suprapubic clefts (2c); and type 3, with expanded or multidirectional clefts. Analysis revealed excellent intra (0.94)-and interobserver (0.90) reliability. Our findings showed that 78.6% of our patients had significant short-term improvement enabling early resumption of physiotherapy, only in types 1 and 2 (p = 0.001), while type 0 and 3 did not respond. At follow-up, only 21.8% had permanent pain relief. Regarding the detection of pathologic clefts with symphysography, sensitivity (88%) and specifity (77%) were superior to that of MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

A reproducible symphysography-based classification of distinct morphologic patterns is proposed. It serves as a predictive tool for response to injection therapy in a select group of pathologic lesions. Complete recovery after injection can only be expected in a lesser percentage, as this might indicate surgical treatment for long-term non-responders.