Pubic inguinal pain syndrome: the so-called sports hernia

The Diagnostic Value of Carnett's Test with Chronic Abdominal Pain: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic abdominal wall pain is a poorly recognized cause of chronic abdominal pain, and patients frequently go misdiagnosed despite a battery of medical tests. The Carnett's test is a diagnostic tool used to distinguish between abdominal wall pain and visceral pain. This review synthesizes the current literature on the Carnett's test, merges the viewpoints of diverse writers, and evaluates and reports on the Carnett's test's applicability.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several clinical investigations have established the usefulness of the Carnett's test in the diagnosis of chronic abdominal wall pain. Furthermore, the Carnett's test is quite useful in determining the depth of the mass and detecting psychogenic abdominal pain. However, its diagnostic use for acute abdominal pain is limited. The Carnett's test is a simple and safe point-of-care diagnostic technique, with several studies supporting its usefulness. Early detection of abdominal wall pain is critical for chronic abdominal wall pain therapy. Carnett's test is very useful in patients with chronic, unexplained local abdominal discomfort who are compliant and do not have a clear rationale for surgery.

Open Surgery for Sportsman’s Hernia a Retrospective Study

Sportsman’s hernia is a painful syndrome in the inguinal area occurring in patients who play sports at an amatorial or professional level. Pain arises during sport, and sometimes persists after activity, representing an obstacle to sport resumption. A laparoscopic/endoscopic approach is proposed by many authors for treatment of the inguinal wall defect. Aim of this study is to assess the open technique in terms of safety and effectiveness, in order to obtain the benefit of an open treatment in an outpatient management. From October 2017 to July 2019, 34 patients underwent surgery for groin pain syndrome. All cases exhibited a bulging of the inguinal posterior wall. 14 patients were treated with Lichtenstein technique with transversalis fascia plication and placement of a polypropylene mesh fixed with fibrin glue. In 20 cases, a polypropylene mesh was placed in the preperitoneal space. The procedure was performed in day surgery facilities. Early or late postoperative complications did not occur in both groups. All patients returned to sport, in 32 cases with complete pain relief, whereas 2 patients experienced mild residual pain. The average value of return to sport was 34.11 ± 8.44 days. The average value of return to play was 53.82 ± 11.69 days. With regard to postoperative pain, no substantial differences between the two techniques were detected, and good results in terms of the resumption of sport were ensured in both groups. Surgical treatment for sportsman’s hernia should be considered only after the failure of conservative treatment. The open technique is safe and allows a rapid postoperative recovery.

Surgical Outcomes of Inguinal-, Pubic-, and Adductor-Related Chronic Pain in Athletes: A Systematic Review Based on Surgical Technique

Background:

Controversies remain regarding the surgical treatment of inguinal-, pubic-, and adductor-related chronic groin pain (CGP) in athletes.

Purpose:

To investigate the outcomes of surgery for CGP in athletes based on surgical technique and anatomic area addressed.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for articles reporting surgical treatment of inguinal-, pubic-, or adductor-related CGP in athletes. Inclusion criteria were level 1 to 4 evidence, mean patient age >15 years, and results presented as return-to-sport, pain, or functional outcomes. Quality assessment was performed with the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement or MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies) criteria. Techniques were grouped as inguinal, adductor origin, pubic symphysis, combined inguinal and adductor, combined pubic symphysis and adductor, or mixed.

Results:

Overall, 47 studies published between 1991 and 2020 were included. There were 2737 patients (94% male) with a mean age at surgery of 27.8 years (range, 12-65 years). The mean duration of symptoms was 13.1 months (range, 0.3-144 months). The most frequent sport involved was soccer (71%), followed by rugby (7%), Australian football (5%), and ice hockey (4%). Of the 47 articles reviewed, 44 were classified as level 4 evidence, 1 study was classified as level 3, and 2 randomized controlled trials were classified as level 1b. The quality of the observational studies improved modestly with time, with a mean MINORS score of 6 for articles published between 1991 and 2000, 6.53 for articles published from 2001 to 2010, and 6.9 for articles published from 2011 to 2020. Return to play at preinjury or higher level was observed in 92% (95% CI, 88%-95%) of the athletes after surgery to the inguinal area, 75% (95% CI, 57%-89%) after surgery to the adductor origin, 84% (95% CI, 47%-100%) after surgery to the pubic symphysis, and 89% (95% CI, 70%-99%) after combined surgery in the inguinal and adductor origin.

Conclusion:

Return to play at preinjury or higher level was more likely after surgery for inguinal-related CGP (92%) versus adductor-related CGP (75%). However, the majority of studies reviewed were methodologically of low quality owing to the lack of comparison groups.

Successful Resolution of Chronic Testicular Pain With an Impairment-Based Treatment Program: A Case Study With One-Year Follow-Up

Chronic testicular pain is a condition commonly experienced by males. Potential causes of testicular pain can be pathology localized within the testicle or referred pain from surrounding tissues or spinal conditions. The diagnostic differential is extensive and can be seen as a diagnosis of exclusion after structural disorders specific to the testicle are ruled out. In approximately 50% of the cases, the cause of pain is undetermined. Patients with testicular and inguinal pain may undergo extensive workup that overlooks potential neuropathic and musculoskeletal causes remote to the testicle. This case study describes the application of a conservative treatment program targeting presumptive chronic genitofemoral and/or ilioinguinal nerve entrapment along the course of the inguinal canal for the treatment of chronic testicular pain. By combining sacroiliac joint osteopathic manipulation, iliopsoas stretching, and soft tissue mobilization utilizing a vacuum suction cup, the patient was symptom-free on the fourth visit after suffering from testicular pain for a year. At a one-year follow-up, the patient remains pain-free.

Outcomes following surgical management of inguinal-related groin pain in athletes: a case series

To determine the outcomes of a limited surgical intervention, consisting of neurolysis, inguinal wall repair and/or adductor debridement of adhesions based on intraoperative findings. Retrospective case series. Outpatient orthopedic/general surgery clinic. Fifty-one athletes treated surgically for inguinal-related groin pain from 2009 to 2015. Limited surgical intervention, consisting of neurolysis, inguinal wall repair and/or adductor debridement based on intra-operative findings. Ability to return to sport at the same level, time to return to play. Fifty-one athletes were included in the study with an average follow-up of 4.42 years (range 2.02–7.01). The average age was 24.2 years (range 16–49) and consisted of 94.0% males and 6.0% females. Nerve entrapment was demonstrated in 96.2% of cases with involvement of the ilioinguinal in 92.5%, the iliohypogastric in 30.8% and the genitofemoral in 13.2%. Attenuation of the posterior inguinal wall was present and repaired in 79.3% of cases. Scar tissue was present around the adductor origin and required debridement in 56.7% of cases. Forty-nine (96.1%) athletes returned to sport at the same level of play at an average of 5.9 weeks. Two athletes required a revision surgery. High rates of return to sport were achieved after surgery for inguinal-related groin pain that addresses the varying pathology and associated nerve entrapment.

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.

Pain resolution in non-operatively managed ultrasound-only groin hernias: 3-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

General surgeons frequently see patients with groin lumps and pain. However, in the absence of a lump, an ultrasound scan identified groin hernia is a diagnostic and management challenge. Some surgeons recommend inguinal hernia surgery while others do not. The outcome of non-operative management is uncertain.

METHODS

This study represents a minimum 3-year follow-up of all non-operatively managed patients seen in general surgical outpatient clinic over a 12-month period. To be included, patients needed to meet all four criteria: groin pain, no clinical hernia, groin hernia identified on ultrasound scan requested by the general practitioner and non-operative management. Patients were interviewed via a standardised telephone survey. Primary outcome measure was groin pain which was assessed with the Sheffield Pain score.

RESULTS

From July 2014 to June 2015, 67 patients met the inclusion criteria. 42 participated (37 men and 5 women). Two-thirds were pain free (68%). Only 2 patients underwent hernia surgery. Women were more likely to describe developing a lump (60% vs 14%; p = 0.013), to see a surgeon (40% vs 8%; p = 0.039) and undergo hernia surgery (20% vs 3% p = 0.088).

CONCLUSION

At least in the medium term, non-operative management of men who present with groin pain (with an ultrasound scan reporting a hernia but no lump) is reasonable.

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.

Clinical Examination, Diagnostic Imaging, and Testing of Athletes With Groin Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach to Effective Management

Synopsis Groin pain is common in athletes who participate in multidirectional sports and has traditionally been considered a difficult problem to understand, diagnose, and manage. This may be due to sparse historical focus on this complex region in sports medicine. Until recently, there has been little agreement regarding terminology, definitions, and classification of groin pain in athletes. This has made clear communication between clinicians difficult, and the results of research difficult to interpret and implement into practice. However, during the past decade, the field has evolved rapidly, and an evidence-based understanding is now emerging. This clinical commentary discusses the clinical examination (subjective history, screening, physical examination); imaging; testing of impairments, function, and performance; and management of athletes with groin pain in an evidence-based framework. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(4):239-249. Epub 6 Mar 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7850.

Outcomes of surgery on patients with a clinically inapparent inguinal hernia as diagnosed by ultrasonography

BACKGROUND

Chronic post-operative inguinal pain (CPIP) is the most significant complication following inguinal hernia repair. Patients without a palpable hernia prior to surgery seemed to report more CPIP. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of surgery on patients with a clinically inapparent inguinal hernia as diagnosed using ultrasonography.

METHODS

A total of 179 hernia repairs in patients with a positive ultrasonography but negative physical examination were analysed retrospectively. Patients with recurrent hernias, femoral hernias or previous surgery to the inguinal canal were excluded. The primary outcome was the presence of chronic postoperative inguinal pain (pain > 3 months postoperatively). Data on preoperative complaints, surgical technique and findings during ultrasonography and surgery were also studied in relation to the development of CPIP.

RESULTS

A quarter (25.1%) of the patients reported chronic postoperative pain. Female gender (p = 0.03), high BMI (p = 0.04) and atypical symptoms prior to surgery (p < 0.001) were significant univariate risk factors for developing CPIP. Logistic regression showed a significant association between atypical symptoms and CPIP [OR = 6.31, p < 0.001, 95% CI (2.32, 17.16)], which was still present after correction for the significant univariate variables [OR = 4.23, p = 0.02, 95% CI (1.26, 14.21)].

CONCLUSION

Patients with a clinically inapparent inguinal hernia as diagnosed using ultrasonography report a high incidence of CPIP after elective hernia repair. Patients with atypical groin pain prior to surgery are especially prone to CPIP. It is questionable whether these hernias should be classified and treated as symptomatic inguinal hernias. The results advocate taking other causes of groin pain into consideration before choosing surgical treatment.

Primary inguinal hernia: The open repair today pros and cons

Open anterior repair for inguinal hernia offers several distinct advantages over endoscopic repair, especially when real-world effectiveness is taken into account. The learning curve for endoscopic techniques is long, whereas the Lichtenstein and other open tension-free techniques are easier to teach and replicate at all levels. The outcomes of Lichtenstein repairs for primary inguinal hernia as performed by non-experts and supervised residents are comparable to those of experts. Moreover, open tension-free repair does not require expensive instruments or dedicated equipment, other than the prosthetic mesh. As such, it is feasible in any operating room anywhere in the world with limited costs. In our opinion, the most important advantage offered by open tension-free repair is that it can be performed under local anesthesia. Nevertheless, local anesthesia has some disadvantages: it requires training, excellent knowledge of the anatomy and the necessary technique, patience, and gentle handling of the tissues. Open inguinal hernia repair is a procedure that every surgeon should know and be able to perform because it is necessary to treat two conditions, groin hernia recurrence after a posterior approach (both laparoscopic and open) and pubic inguinal pain syndrome.

Fast Early Recovery After Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair in Athletes with Sportsman's Groin: A Prospective Clinical Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Current literature on chronic groin pain suggests that laparoscopic mesh repair on athletes enables a faster recovery and subsequent return to unrestricted athletic activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) mesh repair in athletes resistant to conservative therapy.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary approach with tailored physiotherapy. Thirty-nine professional athletes with chronic groin pain were referred to surgery at a single clinic. A full assessment was carried out on each, including medical history, physical examination, dynamic ultrasound, and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. TAPP repair was performed using a polypropylene mesh and fibrin glue fixation on 30 athletes who had exhibited typical symptoms, shown resistance to conservative therapy, not benefited from accompanying physiotherapy, and had ceased training in the 3 to 6 months prior. The outcome measures were early postoperative recovery of 6 weeks and full resumption of athletic activities.

RESULTS

Mean duration of symptoms from onset to surgical repair was 7 months. Conservative treatment had improved symptoms temporarily or to some extent in 7 athletes, while 2 ceased competing altogether. Twenty-three athletes exhibited unilateral and 16 bilateral groin pain. Laparoscopy confirmed posterior wall deficiency in 24 and true inguinal hernia in 6 athletes. Mild scrotal hematoma occurred in 2 athletes postoperatively; all were discharged within 24 hours of surgery. Twenty-one (70%) returned to sports activities after 6 weeks of convalescence. Persistent mild pain was experienced by 5 athletes postoperatively for up to 1 year, yet did not interfere with normal daily activity. Twenty-five participants (85%) reported full satisfaction with the procedure 1 year after treatment; all returned to the same or even higher level of athletic performance.

CONCLUSION

The study confirms that the endoscopic placement of retropubic mesh is an efficient, safe, and minimally invasive treatment that enables fast early recovery.

Groin Pain Syndrome Italian Consensus Conference on terminology, clinical evaluation and imaging assessment in groin pain in athlete

The nomenclature and the lack of consensus of clinical evaluation and imaging assessment in groin pain generate significant confusion in this field. The Groin Pain Syndrome Italian Consensus Conference has been organised in order to prepare a consensus document regarding taxonomy, clinical evaluation and imaging assessment for groin pain. A 1-day Consensus Conference was organised on 5 February 2016, in Milan (Italy). 41 Italian experts with different backgrounds participated in the discussion. A consensus document previously drafted was discussed, eventually modified, and finally approved by all members of the Consensus Conference. Unanimous consensus was reached concerning: (1) taxonomy (2) clinical evaluation and (3) imaging assessment. The synthesis of these 3 points is included in this paper. The Groin Pain Syndrome Italian Consensus Conference reached a consensus on three main points concerning the groin pain syndrome assessment, in an attempt to clarify this challenging medical problem.

Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair for inguinal disruption (Sportsman's hernia): rationale and design of a prospective observational cohort study (TEP-ID-study)

INTRODUCTION

Chronic inguinal pain is a frequently occurring problem in athletes. A diagnosis of inguinal disruption is performed by exclusion of other conditions causing groin pain. Up to now, conservative medical management is considered to be the primary treatment for this condition. Relevant large and prospective clinical studies regarding the treatment of inguinal disruption are limited; however, recent studies have shown the benefits of the totally extraperitoneal patch (TEP) technique.This study provides a complete assessment of the inguinal area in athletes with chronic inguinal pain before and after treatment with the TEP hernia repair technique.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We describe the rationale and design of an observational cohort study for surgical treatment with the endoscopic TEP hernia repair technique in athletes with a painful groin (inguinal disruption).The study is being conducted in a high-volume, single centre hospital with specialty in TEP hernia repair. Patients over 18 years, suffering from inguinal pain for at least 3 months during or after playing sports, and whom have not undergone previous inguinal surgery and have received no benefit from physiotherapy are eligible for inclusion. Patients with any another cause of inguinal pain, proven by physical examination, inguinal ultrasound, X-pelvis/hip or MRI are excluded.Primary outcome is reduction in pain after 3 months. Secondary outcomes are pain reduction, physical functioning, and resumption of sport (in frequency and intensity).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

An unrestricted research grant for general study purposes was assigned to the Hernia Centre. This study itself is not directly subject to the above mentioned research grant or any other financial sponsorship. We intend to publish the outcome of the study, regardless of the findings. All authors will give final approval of the manuscript version to be published.

Sportsman hernia; the review of current diagnosis and treatment modalities

Groin pain is an important clinical entity that may affect a sportsman's active sports life. Sportsman's hernia is a chronic low abdominal and groin pain syndrome. Open and laparoscopic surgical treatment may be chosen in case of conservative treatment failure. Studies on sportsman's hernia, which is a challenging situation in both diagnosis and treatment, are ongoing in many centers. We reviewed the treatment results of 37 patients diagnosed and treated as sportsman's hernia at our hospital between 2011-2014, in light of current literature.

Sports hernias: experience in a sports medicine center

PURPOSE

Chronic pain of the inguino-crural region or "pubalgia" explains the 0.5-6.2% of the consultations by athletes. Recently, areas of weakness in the posterior wall called "sports hernias," have been identified in some of these patients, capable of producing long-standing pain. Several authors use different image methods (CT, MRI, ultrasound) to identify the lesion and various techniques of repair, by open or laparoscopic approaches, have been proposed but there is no evidence about the superiority of one over others due to the difficulty for randomizing these patients. In our experience, diagnosis was based on clinical and ultrasound findings followed by laparoscopic exploration to confirm and repair the injury. The present study aims to assess the performance of our diagnostic and therapeutic management in a series of athletes affected by "pubalgia".

METHODS

1450 athletes coming from the orthopedic office of a sport medicine center were evaluated. In 590 of them (414 amateur and 176 professionals) sports hernias were diagnosed through physical examination and ultrasound. We performed laparoscopic "TAPP" repair and, thirty days after, an assessment was performed to determine the evolution of pain and the degree of physical activity as a sign of the functional outcome. We used the U Mann-Whitney test for continuous scale variables and the chi-square test for dichotomous variables with p < 0.05 as a level of significance.

RESULTS

In 573 patients ultrasound examination detected some protrusion of the posterior wall with normal or minimally dilated inguinal rings, which in 498 of them coincided with areas affected by pain. These findings were confirmed by laparoscopic exploration that also diagnosed associated contralateral (30.1%) and ipsilateral defects, resulting in a total of 1006 hernias. We found 84 "sport hernias" in 769 patients with previous diagnosis of adductor muscle strain (10.92%); on the other hand, in 127 (21.52%) of our patients with "sport hernias" US detected concomitant injuries of the adductor longus tendon, 7 of which merited additional surgical maneuvers (partial tenotomy). Compared with the findings of laparoscopy, ultrasound had a sensitivity of 95.42% and a specificity of 100%; the positive and negative predictive values were 100 and 99.4% respectively. No postoperative complications were reported. Only seven patients suffered recurrence of pain (successful rate: 98.81%); the ultrasound ruled out hernia recurrence, but in three cases it diagnosed tendinitis of the rectus abdominis muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series reflects the multidisciplinary approach performed in a sports medicine center in which patients are initially evaluated by orthopedic surgeons in order to discard the most common causes of "pubalgia". "Sports hernias" are often associated with adductor muscle strains and other injuries of the groin allowing speculate that these respond to a common mechanism of production. We believe that, considering the difficulty to design randomized trials, only a high coincidence among the diagnostic and therapeutic instances can ensure a rational health care.

Contemporary management of 'Inguinal disruption' in the sportsman's groin

Background

This article helps define the basic principles to diagnosis and manage one of the surgically correctable causes of the ‘painful groin’, which is commonly described as the sportsman’s groin.

Discussion

Often many surgeons will describe a single pathology for the sportsman’s groin such as a ‘hernia’ but often other coexisting etiologies may be present.

Management relies on a multidisciplinary approach with a diagnosis initially made by a history of pain in the groin on exercise. Physiotherapy is the recommended first line treatment and is designed to concentrate on strengthening of the abdominal wall muscle and tendon groups around the groin area.

Surgery does have a role in the sportsman’s groin but only once all conservative measures have been exhausted or if there is a clear identified pathology causing the groin symptoms such as posterior wall defect.

Surgical principles for an inguinal disruption include either open or laparoscopic techniques reinforcing the inguinal canal with a mesh or suture repair followed by an active rehabilitation programme.

Summary

Once an accurate diagnosis has been achieved, contemporary guidance for inguinal disruption requires a multidisciplinary approach including a specially designed physiotherapy regime and possibly surgery.

A European survey on the aetiology, investigation and management of the "sportsman's groin"

INTRODUCTION

A sportsman's groin has no accepted definition or consensus on treatment. The aim of this study was to assess current opinion among a large body of European surgeons using an online survey.

METHODS

An online questionnaire comprising 16 multiple-choice questions was sent by email to general surgeons in Europe. The survey was live from the 6th to 30th September 2011.

RESULTS

In total 143 responses were received. One hundred and six respondents (74 %) expressed experience in managing this condition. The majority (91 %) managed <26 cases per year. Posterior wall weakness (53 %), pubic tendinitis (43 %), nerve entrapment (37 %) and conjoint tendon injury (36 %) were the commonest aetiological factors described. Preferred diagnostic investigations were ultrasound of the groin (44 %) and MRI of the pelvis (29 %). The most common initial treatment (91 % of respondents) was conservative measures (rest and analgesia) for a maximum of 6-month period. When surgery was undertaken, Lichtenstein repair (29 %), TEP (27 %), TAPP (20 %), and posterior wall repair (21 %) were the commonest procedures. The majority (95 %) of respondents would not offer bilateral surgery for those presenting with unilateral groin pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Most European surgeons see <26 cases of "sportsman's groin" per year, which is in keeping with the low incidence of this condition. There remains wide variation in its investigation and management, which reflects the differences in opinion on its aetiology. The majority of surgeons agree that surgery is not the only treatment option available, but there is little consensus on the optimal management.

Health-related quality of life after TAPP repair for the sportsmen's groin

BACKGROUND

Sportsmen's groin (SG) is a clinical diagnosis of chronic, painful musculotendinous injury to the medial inguinal floor in the absence of a groin hernia. Long-term results for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, especially data on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), are scant and there are no available data whatsoever on HRQOL after SG. The main goal of this study was to compare postoperative QOL data in the long term after transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty (TAPP) in groin hernia and SG patients with QOL data of a normal population.

METHODS

This study included all patients (n = 559) who underwent TAPP repair between 2000 and 2005. Forty seven patients (8.4 %) were operated on for SG. We sent out the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire for QOL evaluation. QOL data were compared with data from an age- and sex-matched normal population.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 383 completed questionnaires were available for evaluation (69 % response rate). The mean follow-up time was 94 ± 20 months. In the SG group there were statistically significant differences in three subscales of the SF-36 and the mental component summary measure, showing better results for the SG group compared to the sex- and age-matched normal group data. There were no statistically significant differences between groin hernia patients and the sex- and age-matched normal population.

CONCLUSION

TAPP repair for SG as well as groin hernia results in good HRQOL in the long term. Results for SG patients are comparable with QOL data of a normal population or even better.

Conservative care of sports hernias within soccer players: a case series

OBJECTIVE

To detail the progress of 2 high-level soccer players and 1 recreational soccer player with chronic groin pain that was exacerbated by participation in sports and relieved by rest. The patients under went a conservative treatment plan featuring manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, and plyometric training.

CLINICAL FEATURES

The most important examination findings were palpable tenderness over the internal oblique fascia and anterior pubic tubercle, pain with resisted hip adduction, and pain with a resisted abdominal curl-up. Conventional treatment aimed at decreasing healing time of the injury through manual therapy, including soft tissue and modality techniques; rehabilitative exercises, focusing on the pelvic muscles; and plyometric training, aiming at sport specific functional improvement.

INTERVENTION

The conservative treatment approach utilized in this case series involved manual therapy, 1-2 times a week for 6-8 weeks, consisting of soft tissue, laser, microcurrent, and acupuncture; rehabilitative exercise and plyometric training, 3 times a week for 8 weeks, to help improve strength, coordination, and correct pelvic muscle imbalances. Outcome measures included visual analog scale scores and resisted muscle testing.

SUMMARY

Three soccer players, of varying levels of ability, presenting with a suspected sports hernia (chronic groin pain exacerbated by sports and relieved by rest) were relieved of their pain after 8 weeks of conservative care featuring manual therapy, rehabilitative exercises, and plyometric training.

[Occult inguinal-hernia in athletes]

INTRODUCTION

The occult inguinal hernia in athletes represents a distinct entity as well as a part of a syndrome known as PIPS (public inguinal pain syndrome). It may be relatively difficult to identify the possible source of inguinal pain, since the spectrum is so wide that it can overlap various medical subspecialties.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study includes 14 cases of athletes (11 football players) with suspicion of occult inguinal hernia. All of them complained of suprapubic pain on physical activity which was relieved at rest. No hernia was found on physical examination in either patient. Ultrasonography of the region demonstrated protrusion of the posterior abdominal wall by increased intraabdominal pressure (such as coughing) in 12 cases. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed in every case, and we found 13 medial and 1 femoral hernia, i.e. a hernia was identified in all patients. Laparoscopic hernia repair with TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal) technique was carried out in every case.

RESULTS

Patients were discharged 2-3 days after surgery without any postoperative complication. A gradual increase in physical activity was advised up to the limit of complaints commencing 7-10 days later. All patients could return to competitive sports after 4-6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Differential diagnosis of inguinal pain in athletes includes occult inguinal hernia, which can be diagnosed with laparoscopy and TAPP repair can be carried out at the same time, if needed, to fix it.

US in pubalgia

There is considerable confusion over the word "pubalgia" with regard to the definition and the etiological causes of this condition. The term pubalgia should be used to indicate disabling pain affecting the pubic region in people who practise sports. Pubalgia affects 10% of those who practise sports and it is particularly prevalent in football players. According to the literature, about 40% of cases of pubalgia are caused by overuse of the symphysis pubis with progressive lesions affecting the rectus abdominal muscles, adductors (rectal-adductor syndrome) and the symphysis itself (osteitis pubis and joint injury). An initial study of the tendons is carried out by ultrasound (US) whereas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be performed to study the bones and joints.Another 40% of cases of pubalgia are caused by "sports hernia" defined as anteroinferior abdominal wall insufficiency. These alterations can only be identified at dynamic US examination.About 20% of cases of pubalgia are caused by diseases of the neighboring structures or joints such as diseases of the hip, iliopsoas, hamstring, sacred iliac or nerves, or by urogenital diseases.

Re-recognizing the pathogenesis of inguinal hernias

Over the past century, there has been a significant increase in the understanding of groin anatomy as it is related to inguinal hernia. But no one really knows the function of iliopsoas in sealing the inguinal canal and promoting defecation in squatting position. This paper presents the hypothesis that iliopsoas plays an important role in iliopsoas-abdominal reflex by strengthening the groin region, and thus offers a new insight into the study of the pathogenesis of groin hernia and defecation in the aged. This discovery may explain why squatting instead of sitting is better for defecation and urination and why the elderly males are more susceptible to groin hernia. Moreover, the colorectal disease might also benefit from this discovery.