Hip Sideline Emergencies and Hip Injuries in Elite Athletes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hip injuries in elite athletes are an increasingly recognized problem and range from chronic overuse injuries, such as adductor strains and labral tears, to acute traumatic injuries such as hip dislocations. In this article, we review common hip pathology experienced by elite athletes and sideline management of emergent hip injuries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Elite athletes are subject to unique physical and mental stresses and therefore must be evaluated and treated in a unique manner. Hip and groin injuries account for approximately 6% of sport injuries overall and 3-15% of all injuries in professional sports. Hip sideline emergencies were rare but can include hip dislocations, subluxations, and avulsion fractures. Hip and groin injuries represent an important subset of injuries which can greatly impact an athlete's ability to perform. Understanding the physiology and types of hip/groin injuries, which athletes are prone to injuries, the impact on recovery time, recurrence risk, and the potential need for surgery aid sports medicine physicians in decision-making.

Groin Pain Syndrome Italian Consensus Conference update 2023

Groin pain syndrome (GPS) is a controversial topic in Sports Medicine. The GPS Italian Consensus Conference on terminology, clinical evaluation and imaging assessment of groin pain in athletes was organized by the Italian Society of Arthroscopy in Milan, on 5 February 2016. In this Consensus Conference (CC) GPS etiology was divided into 11 different categories for a total of 63 pathologies. The GPS Italian Consensus Conference update 2023 is an update of the 2016 CC. The CC was based on a sequential, two-round online Delphi survey, followed by a final CC in the presence of all panelists. The panel was composed of 55 experts from different scientific and clinical backgrounds. Each expert discussed 6 different documents, one of which regarded the clinical and imaging definition of sports hernias, and the other 5 dealt with 5 new clinical situations thought to result in GPS. The panelists came to an agreement on the definition of a sports hernia. Furthermore, an agreement was reached, recognizing 4 of the 5 possible proposed pathologies as causes to GPS. On the contrary, the sixth pathology discussed did not find consensus given the insufficient evidence in the available scientific literature. The final document includes a new clinical and imaging definition of sports hernia. Furthermore, the etiology of GPS was updated compared to the previous CC of 2016. The new taxonomic classification includes 12 categories (versus 11 in the previous CC) and 67 pathologies (versus 63 in the previous CC).

Surgical approaches for core abdominal injuries: a review of the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database

INTRODUCTION

Core abdominal injury (CAI) is a broad term that describes injuries resulting from repetitive loading of the pubis that leads to inflammation, rupture, or destabilization of the core muscles from the pubic bone. There is no clear recommendation on the surgical approach to CAI. We aimed to describe how hernia surgeons within the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) address this problem surgically and the short-term outcomes.

METHODS

We queried the ACHQC registry for patients undergoing surgery for isolated CAI and concomitant inguinal hernias (IH) and CAI. Operative approach and quality of life (using EuraHS survey scores) was abstracted.

RESULTS

A total of 29,451 patients underwent surgery for IHs, CAIs, or both within the registry. Twenty patients underwent surgery for isolated CAI (median age 29, 90% males). Eleven patients (55%) underwent surgery with mesh (four Lichtenstein, three TAPP, and four TEP). Nine patients (45%) underwent tissue-based repairs (four closure of floor, one Bassini, one McVay, one Shouldice, one femoral exploration, and one laparoscopic-to-open conversion). There were no postoperative complications or reoperations within 30 days. EuraHS scores showed improvement at 30 days from baseline (median 29 [6.75-41.75] from 42 [29.42-57.61]). Sixty patients had both IHs and CAIs (median age 31, 97% males). All patients received mesh. Thirty-one patients (52%) underwent open surgery (23 Lichtenstein, 1 plug, 7 TREPP) and 29 underwent minimally invasive repairs (23 TAPP, 6 TEP). There was one seroma at 30 days. EuraHS scores showed improvement at 30 days from baseline (median 16 [5.17-27.33] from 37.5 [26.44-46.58]).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite technical variability, CAIs with or without concomitant IH generally undergo operations commonly used for IH repairs. Within our series, there was inconsistency with approach and mesh placement. Future work should be focused on standardizing the approach to CAI and capturing long-term data within the ACHQC.

Anatomy and terminology of groin pain: Current concepts

Groin pain is a common symptom in athletes. The complex anatomy of the area and the various terms used to describe the etiology behind groin pain have led to a confusing nomenclature. To solve this problem, three consensus statements have been already published in the literature: the Manchester Position Statement in 2014, the Doha agreement in 2015, and the Italian Consensus in 2016. However, when revisiting recent literature, it is evident that the use of non-anatomic terms remains common, and the diagnoses sports hernia, sportsman's hernia, sportsman's groin, Gilmore's groin, athletic pubalgia, and core muscle injury are still used by many authors. Why are they still in use although rejected? Are they considered synonyms, or they are used to describe different pathology? This current concepts review article aims to clarify the confusing terminology by examining to which anatomical structures authors refer when using each term, revisit the complex anatomy of the area, including the adductors, the flat and vertical abdominal muscles, the inguinal canal, and the adjacent nerve branches, and propose an anatomical approach, which will provide the basis for improved communication between healthcare professionals and evidence-based treatment decisions.

Athletes treated for inguinal-related groin pain by endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair: long-term benefits of a prospective cohort

PURPOSE

Inguinal-related groin pain (IRGP) in athletes is a multifactorial condition, posing a therapeutic challenge. If conservative treatment fails, totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair is effective in pain relief. Because there are only few long-term follow-up results available, this study was designed to evaluate effectiveness of TEP repair in IRGP-patients years after the initial procedure.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the original, prospective cohort study (TEP-ID-study) were subjected to two telephone questionnaires. The TEP-ID-study demonstrated favorable outcomes after TEP repair for IRGP-patients after a median follow-up of 19 months. The questionnaires in the current study assessed different aspects, including, but not limited to pain, recurrence, new groin-related symptoms and physical functioning measured by the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). The primary outcome was pain during exercise on the numeric rating scale (NRS) at very long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Out of 32 male participants in the TEP-ID-study, 28 patients (88%) were available with a median follow-up of 83 months (range: 69-95). Seventy-five percent of athletes were pain free during exercise (p < 0.001). At 83 months follow-up, a median NRS of 0 was observed during exercise (IQR 0-2), which was significantly lower compared to earlier scores (p <0.01). Ten patients (36%) mentioned subjective recurrence of complaints, however, physical functioning improved on all HAGOS subscales (p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the safety and effectivity of TEP repair in a prospective cohort of IRGP-athletes, for whom conservative treatment had failed, with a follow-up period of over 80 months.

Effectiveness of a Preventative Program for Groin Pain Syndrome in Elite Youth Soccer Players: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind Study

Groin pain syndrome (GPS) is a prevalent issue in soccer. This study assessed the effectiveness of a new preventive protocol on GPS for youth soccer players. The protocol included targeted stretching and strengthening exercises for the adductor and core muscles from preseason to midseason. A questionnaire and two pain provocation tests were used for the evaluation. Mild GPS required positive results in at least two evaluations, while severe GPS was associated with pain incompatible with engagement in any activity confirmed by diagnostic ultrasound. Forty-two elite male athletes (aged 16.9 ± 0.7 years) participated in the study, with half of them assigned to the usual training (control group) and the remaining athletes undergoing the preventive protocol (treatment group) for 24 weeks. GPS rates were 14.3% (three diagnoses: two mild, one severe) in the treatment group and 28.6% (six diagnoses: three mild, three severe) in the control group. Toward the end of the season, three players, one from the treatment group and two from the control group had to stop playing due to severe GPS problems. In addition, one player in the control group stopped midseason. Even though the reduction in the risk of developing GPS was not significant (relative risk of 0.50 ([95%CI 0.14 to 1.74], p = 0.2759), the halved incidence of severe GPS and the increased muscle strength related to the treatment (p = 0.0277) are encouraging data for future studies.

Prolene Hernia System Maximum Repair: A New Concept in Sports Hernia Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To describe and present the clinical results of a new surgical treatment for sports hernia.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary hospital.

PATIENTS

Athletes who underwent sports hernia repair using the proposed technique between July 2006 and June 2020.

INTERVENTION

The surgery consists of a combination of a mini-open incision and preperitoneal placement of a three-dimensional bilayer permanent mesh (PHS).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main clinical outcomes of the procedure were reviewed, including incidence of complications, long-term results, and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

Ninety-two sports hernia repairs were performed on 87 patients (79 male and 8 female patients, median age 30.2 ± 7.8 years). No intraoperative complications were observed. The mean follow-up was 15 months. Seventy-seven patients (88.5%) successfully resumed preinjury physical activities within 8 weeks; 80 patients (91.9%) within 12 weeks; and 83 (95.4%) within 6 months (median time of 10 weeks). Only one patient reported recurrence of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Mini-open incision PHS repair seems to be a safe and effective method for treatment of sports hernia, resulting in early return to physical activities, with few complications, and low recurrence rate.

Core Muscle Injury: Evaluation and Treatment in the Athlete

BACKGROUND

Pain in the groin region, where the abdominal musculature attaches to the pubis, is referred to as a "sports hernia,""athletic pubalgia," or "core muscle injury" and has become a topic of increased interest due to its challenging diagnosis. Identifying the cause of chronic groin pain is complicated because significant symptom overlap exists between disorders of the proximal thigh musculature, intra-articular hip pathology, and disorders of the abdominal musculature.

PURPOSE

To present a comprehensive review of the pathoanatomic features, history and physical examination, and imaging modalities used to make the diagnosis of core muscle injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative and literature review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed. Studies involving the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletes with core muscle injury were identified. In addition, the senior author's extensive experience with the care of professional, collegiate, and elite athletes was analyzed and compared with established treatment algorithms.

RESULTS

The differential diagnosis of groin pain in the athlete should include core muscle injury with or without adductor longus tendinopathy. Current scientific evidence is lacking in this field; however, consensus regarding terms and treatment algorithms was facilitated with the publication of the Doha agreement in 2015. Pain localized proximal to the inguinal ligament, especially in conjunction with tenderness at the rectus abdominis insertion, is highly suggestive of core muscle injury. Concomitant adductor longus tendinopathy is not uncommon in these athletes and should be investigated. The diagnosis of core muscle injury is a clinical one, although dynamic ultrasonography is becoming increasingly used as a diagnostic modality. Magnetic resonance imaging is not always diagnostic and may underestimate the true extent of a core muscle injury. Functional rehabilitation programs can often return athletes to the same level of play. If an athlete has been diagnosed with athletic pubalgia and has persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of nonoperative treatment, a surgical repair using mesh and a relaxing myotomy of the conjoined tendon should be considered. The most common intraoperative finding is a deficient posterior wall of the inguinal canal with injury to the distal rectus abdominis. Return to play after surgery for an isolated sports hernia is typically allowed at 4 weeks; however, if an adductor release is performed as well, return to play occurs at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Core muscle injury is a diagnosis that requires a high level of clinical suspicion and should be considered in any athlete with pain in the inguinal region. Concurrent adductor pathology is not uncommon.

Imaging Review of Hockey-related Lower Extremity Injuries

Hockey is a fast-paced contact sport with a high incidence of injuries. Although injuries are more frequent among elite players, recreational hockey injuries are a common issue faced by primary care and emergency physicians. Lower extremity injuries in hockey are particularly important because they account for approximately a third of all injuries and > 60% of all overuse injuries. This pictorial review provides the general and specialty trained radiologist with a knowledge of the patterns of lower extremity injury that occur in ice hockey.

Long-standing groin pain syndrome in athletic women: a multidisciplinary assessment in keeping with the italian consensus agreement

BACKGROUND

Long-standing groin pain syndrome (LSGPS) is a form of groin pain syndrome in which the cohort of symptoms reported by patients is experienced for a long period, typically for over 12 weeks, and is recalcitrant to any conservative therapy. The aim of this prospective epidemiological study was to describe the clinical causes of LSGPS in 37 female athletic subjects in Italy through the Groin Pain Syndrome Italian Consensus Conference on terminology, clinical evaluation and imaging assessment in groin pain in athletes classification and guidelines.

METHODS

Thirty-seven female athletes affected by LSGPS were evaluated following the guidelines issued by the Groin Pain Syndrome Italian Consensus Conference on terminology, clinical evaluation and imaging assessment of groin pain in athletes.

RESULTS

In the considered population, each patient presented only one pathological cause for LSGPS. The most frequent aetiologies were inguinal pathologies (54.05% of the cases), acetabular labrum tear (18.92%) and pelvic floor disorders (8.11%). Adductor tendinopathy represented only 2.70% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Female athletic patients affected by LSGPS show a similar incidence of inguinal and hip pathologies as in male populations. However, these clinical situations do not seem to be associated in women unlike in the male population. This difference is probably due to particular anatomical differences related to gender. For this reason, women affected by LSGPS represent an important subset of patients. Moreover, adductor tendinopathy is probably overrated as an etiopathogenetic source of LSGPS in women.

Controversies in Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias represent one of the most common pathologic conditions presenting to the general surgeon. In surgical practice, several controversies persist: when to operate, the utility of a laparoscopic versus open approach, the applicability of robotic surgery, the approach to bilateral hernias, management of athletic-related groin pain ("sports hernia"), and the role of tissue-based repairs in modern hernia surgery. Ideally, surgeons should approach each patient individually and tailor their approach based on patient factors and preferences. The informed consent process is critical, especially given increasing recognition of the risk of long-term chronic pain following hernia repair.

High Return to Play Rate and Reduced Career Longevity Following Surgical Management of Athletic Pubalgia in National Basketball Association Players

Purpose

To assess the effects of surgical treatment of athletic pubalgia (AP) on game use and performance metrics in National Basketball Association (NBA) players.

Methods

A retrospective review of all NBA players who underwent surgical management for AP from 1996 to 2018 was performed. A matched control group was created for comparison. The index period was defined as the entire NBA season in which surgery occurred, including the corresponding offseason. Player demographics, use (games played, games started, and minutes per game) and performance (player efficiency rating) metrics were collected for all players. Statistical analysis was performed to compare data before and after return to play.

Results

Thirty players with a history of surgical management for AP were included in the final analysis. Following surgery for AP, NBA players were found to have a return to play (RTP) rate of 90.91% (30/33). The average RTP following surgery was 4.73 ± 2.62 months. Compared with control athletes, athletes in the AP group played significantly fewer seasons postinjury (4.17 ± 2.70 vs 5.49 ± 3.04 seasons, respectively; P = .02). During the first year following RTP, NBA players experienced significant reductions in game use and performance, both when compared with the year prior and matched control athletes (P < .05). At 3-year follow-up, players continued to demonstrate significant reductions in game use (minutes per game, P < .05) but not performance.

Conclusions

Following surgical treatment of AP, NBA players demonstrated a high RTP rate, but shortened career. A short-term reduction in game use and performance metrics was found the year of return following surgery. However, 3-year follow-up performance metrics normalized when compared with healthy controls.

Study Design

Level III; retrospective case-control study.

Core Muscle and Adductor Injury

Core muscle injury is a common but difficult problem to treat. Although it can affect all individuals, it is most commonly seen in male athletes in cutting, twisting, pivoting, and explosive sports. Owing to the high association of femoroacetabular impingement, we believe these individuals are best treated with a multidisciplinary approach involving both orthopedic and general surgeons. Conservative treatment should be the first step in management. When conservative means are unsuccessful, operative intervention to correct all the pathologic issues around the pubis can have extremely high success rates.