Imaging of athletic pubalgia and core muscle injuries: clinical and therapeutic correlations

The Role of MRI in Groin Pain Syndrome in Athletes

Groin pain syndrome (GPS) is one of the most frequent injuries in competitive sports. Stresses generated in the lower limbs by quick turns and accelerations, such as in soccer, basketball or hockey, can produce localized regions of increased forces, resulting in anatomical lesions. The differential diagnoses are numerous and comprise articular, extra-articular, muscular, tendinous and visceral clinical conditions and a correct diagnosis is crucial if treatment is to be efficient. MRI is the gold standard of diagnostic techniques, especially when an alternative pathology needs to be excluded and/or other imaging techniques such as ultrasound or radiography do not lead to a diagnosis. This paper, based on the current literature, gives a comprehensive review of the anatomy of the pubic region and of the typical MRI findings in those affected by GPS. Many clinical conditions causing GPS can be investigated by MRI within appropriate protocols. However, MRI shows limits in reliability in the investigation of inguinal and femoral hernias and therefore is not the imaging technique of choice for studying these clinical conditions.

Return to Play in the Professional Athlete

The management of any injury in elite athletes poses unique challenges distinct from the general population because the goal is rapid recovery and return to play (RTP) while simultaneously managing residual symptoms and minimizing risk of reinjury. The time required for treatment, recovery, and return to peak performance can have consequences for both the athlete and his or her team: financial implications, psychological stressors, team dynamics, and future performance. RTP after an injury in the professional athlete requires a complex decision-making process with many stakeholders. Several factors influence this decision, not the least of which is the type and mechanism of injury. This article provides an overview of the RTP process including nonmedical factors that may influence this decision, common injuries seen in professional athletes, injury patterns particular to certain popular sports, and imaging guidelines for such injuries.

[Groin pain in athletes-sportsmen's groin]

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE

Groin pain in athletes can have various causes. Radiologically, osteitis pubis and clefts with affection of the interpubic disc as well as muscle and tendon tears near the pubic bone can be clearly identified.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice, as well as single-leg stand imaging (flamingo view radiographs), and where appropriate symphysography.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

Optimized MRI sequence protocol with oblique (axial oblique) slices parallel to the linea arcuata of the iliac bone is recommended. High-resolution MRI sequences and symphysography can detect superior and secondary cleft formation. Instabilities of the pubic symphysis can be diagnosed using flamingo view radiographs.

PERFORMANCE

The MRI findings of osteitis pubis and clinical symptoms correlate. The presence of parasymphyseal bone marrow edema is the earliest morphological sign of acute osteitis pubis on MR imaging. Edema in the periosteal tissue and isolated muscle lesions next to the symphysis are generally associated with more severe clinical symptoms.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Close communication between radiologists and the referring physicians is indispensable when planning an adequate imaging protocol, and precise knowledge of the clinical symptoms in the case of clinical suspicion of osteitis pubis allows for a reliable diagnosis and provides important prognostic information.

Ultrasound-guided Procedures Allow Delay of Definitive Treatment for Core Muscle Injuries

INTRODUCTION

Core muscle injuries (CMI) are common in every sport. To minimize lost playing time, providers apply various nonsurgical treatments, including platelet-rich plasma, corticosteroids, ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous tenotomy, and prolotherapy. Limited data exist with regard to their effectiveness. We chose to review a cohort of consecutive professional and collegiate athletes who sustained CMI at various points within their seasons and underwent a combination of US-guided percutaneous needle "tenotomy" and corticosteroid injections to complete the remainder of their seasons.

METHODS

Twenty-five consecutive collegiate or professional athletes with CMI involving the rectus abdominis-adductor aponeurotic plate were included in this retrospective study. Athletes with concomitant symptomatic hip femoroacetabular impingement were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was whether athletes completed their seasons. Secondary measures were weeks played after the procedures (delay until surgery), need for repeat procedures, and outcomes after eventual surgery. Postoperative performance was assessed via interviews at 6 wk and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-one of 25 (84%) athletes completed their seasons. On average, athletes returned to play 3 d (range, 1-9 d) after the procedures. Surgical repair was delayed a mean of 18 wk (range, 2-44 wk). Seven athletes had concomitant symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement and six underwent combined hip arthroscopy and core muscle repairs. Among 17 patients who eventually had core muscle surgery alone (no hip surgery), 82% (14 of 17) reported performing at their preinjury level at 6 wk. At 6 months, 96% of postop athletes (22 of 23) reported performing at their preinjury level.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporizing CMI with US-guided percutaneous tenotomy and corticosteroid injections is effective in allowing continued sport participation among high-level athletes and does not negatively affect postoperative outcomes.

Nomenclature for groin pain in athletes

Currently, there is much variation in the terminology used to describe groin pain in athletes. Several groups have attempted to reach consensus on nomenclature in this area. This article outlines the current status of groin pain nomenclature for the radiologist, highlighting inherent heterogeneity, recent attempts to reach a consensus, the need for a radiological consensus and why imprecise terminology should be avoided when reporting.

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.

Ultrasound in Sports Injuries

Utilization of musculoskeletal ultrasound, in particular for sports medicine, has dramatically increased in recent years. Ultrasound is an important adjunct tool to physical examination and other imaging methods in the evaluation and management of the injured athlete. It offers unique advantages in specific clinical scenarios. Dedicated training and a standardized scanning technique are important to overcome the inherent operator dependence and avoid diagnostic pitfalls. Ultrasound guidance can also improve accuracy in targeted percutaneous injection therapies. This article reviews the general ultrasound appearance of muscle, tendon, ligament, and nerve abnormalities in the athlete with a focus on sport-specific injuries.

Use of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Predict Clinical Outcomes After Core Muscle Injury Repair

Background

Core muscle injury (CMI), often referred to as a sports hernia or athletic pubalgia, is a common cause of groin pain in athletes. Imaging modalities used to assist in the diagnosis of CMI include ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Purpose

To determine if preoperative MRI findings predict clinical outcomes after surgery for CMI.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on a consecutive series of patients who were operatively treated for CMI by a single surgeon. CMI was diagnosed based on history, physical examination, and a positive US. In addition, all patients underwent a preoperative MRI. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether the MRI was interpreted as positive or negative for CMI. All patients underwent mini-open CMI repair. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected both pre- and postoperatively and included a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, and the modified Harris Hip Score.

Results

A total of 39 hips were included in this study, of which 17 had a positive MRI interpretation for CMI (44%) and 22 had a negative MRI interpretation (56%). Mean age at the time of surgery was 35 years (range, 17-56 years), and mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 12-35 months). No significant difference was found between groups in mean age or time to follow-up. Patients in both groups demonstrated significant improvement from preoperative to most recent follow-up in terms of the UCLA activity score (P < .05). VAS scores significantly improved for patients with a positive MRI interpretation (P = .001) but not for those with a negative MRI interpretation (P = .094). No significant difference on any PROs was found between groups at the most recent follow-up.

Conclusion

Successful clinical outcomes can be expected in patients undergoing surgery for CMI diagnosed based on history, physical examination, and US. Patients with a preoperative MRI consistent with CMI may experience greater improvement in pain postoperatively, although MRI does not predict postoperative activity level in these patients.

Femoroacetabular Impingement and Core Muscle Injury in Athletes: Diagnosis and Algorithms for Success

Athletic hip injuries account for a substantial portion of missed time from sports in high-level athletes. For both femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and core muscles injuries, a thorough history and physical examination are paramount to guide the treatment. While advanced imaging including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are frequently obtained, a wealth of information can be ascertained from standard radiographs alone. For patients with isolated or combined FAI and core muscle injuries (CMIs), the initial treatment is often nonoperative and consists of rest, activity modification, and physical therapy of the hips, core, and trunk. Injections may then aid in both confirming diagnosis and temporary symptom abatement. Arthroscopic procedures for refractory FAI in experienced hands have been shown to be both safe and efficacious. While surgical repair options for CMIs are significantly more variable, long-term studies have demonstrated the rapid resolution of symptoms and high return to play rates. More recently, anatomic and clinical correlations between FAI and CMIs have been identified. Special attention must be paid to elite athletes as the incidence of concurrent FAI with CMI is extremely high yet with significant symptom variability. Predictable return to play in athletes with coexisting symptomatic intra-articular and extra-articular symptomatology is incumbent upon the treatment of both pathologies.

Hip Adductor Longus Tendon Origin Anatomy Is Consistent and May Inform Surgical Reattachment

Purpose

To define the topographic anatomy of the footprint of the adductor longus origin on the pubis and its underlying bony morphology to better inform surgical repair of adductor longus tendon injuries.

Methods

Five cadaveric pelvis specimens were dissected, making 10 adductor footprints available for analysis. The adductor longus tendon origin was isolated and the surrounding tissue debrided. The circumference of the tendinous attachment to the pubic crest was marked before excising the tendon and fibrocartilage enthesis from the pubis. Radiopaque paint was prepared by mixing 30 mL of all-purpose acrylic paint (Anita’s no. 11150 Island Blue; Rust-Oleum Corp, Vernon Hills, IL) with 15g of E-Z-HD 98% w/w barium sulfate (Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Anjou Quebec, Canada) and applied to the marked footprint. The specimens underwent a 1.0-mm slice computed tomographic scan with 3-dimensional reconstructions. Synapse PACS (FujiFilm, Valhalla, NY) software for measurements of the tendon footprint and underlying bone.

Results

Average age and weight of the specimens at the time of death was 37 years and 204.6 ± 48.7 lbs, respectively. The width and length of the tendon origin was 12.0 ± 1.1 mm and 10.9 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. The distance of the center of the footprint from the center of the pubic tubercle was 8.5 ± 1.4 mm lateral and 12.2 ± 0.4 mm caudal. The osseous thickness underlying the footprint was 18.7 ± 3.7 mm at an angle of 34.5 ± 1.5° in relation to the sagittal plane. The correlation between specimen body weight and the thickness of the bone underlying the footprint was strongly positive (r = 0.92).

Conclusions

We found that there is a consistent angle from the center of the adductor longus tendon footprint to the point of maximal underlying bony thickness, as well as a positive correlation between body mass index and osseous thickness, which may inform anatomic reattachment of this tendon.

Clinical Relevance

Our findings will assist surgeons in identifying the footprint of the adductor longus tendon and safely perform anatomic repair of adductor longus tendon avulsions.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Physical Examination Tests in Core Muscle Injury

BACKGROUND

Core muscle injury (CMI), often referred to as a sports hernia, is a common cause of groin pain in athletes characterized by concomitant injury to the insertion of the adductor longus and the rectus abdominis muscles. Currently, the literature on CMI is sparse with no standardized physical examination tests used in the diagnosis of this type of injury.

PURPOSE

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of various physical examination tests in the diagnosis of CMI.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients evaluated by the senior author with symptoms consistent with CMI were included. Four physical examination tests were routinely performed in these patients by the senior author and were noted in each patient's chart as positive or negative: (1) pain with resisted cross-body sit-up in figure-of-4 position, (2) pain with straight-leg sit-up, (3) pain with resisted hip flexion in external rotation (external rotation Stinchfield test), and (4) the presence of an adductor contracture. CMI was independently diagnosed by a reference standard (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). All MRI scans were read by a musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologist. The sensitivity and specificity of each physical examination test alone and in combination were calculated based on this reference standard.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were included in this study. MRI was positive for a CMI in 39 patients (48%) overall. Both the cross-body sit-up test and the presence of an adductor contracture were found to have a sensitivity of 100% (specificity, 3% for both). The external rotation Stinchfield test was found to have the highest specificity of 60% (sensitivity, 15%). The sensitivity of all 4 physical examination tests in combination was found to be 100% (specificity, 0%).

CONCLUSION

Certain physical examination maneuvers can be used to assist in the diagnosis of a CMI. The cross-body sit-up test and the presence of an adductor contracture are highly sensitive but nonspecific tests for CMI and therefore should be used in conjunction with diagnostic imaging before deciding on an appropriate treatment course.

[Stress fracture of athletes as a cause of groin pain]

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE

In this article, suitable imaging of stress reactions and stress fractures in athletes will be examined.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

Diagnostic procedures include X‑ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone scintigraphy.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

MRI represents the gold standard for these types of injuries.

PERFORMANCE

Of all imaging techniques, MRI shows the highest sensitivity in terms of diagnostic and prognostic aspects in stress reactions and stress fractures.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Early performance of MRI to evaluate the staging, therapy and prognosis of the healing process is recommended.

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.

Imaging of the Pelvis and Lower Extremity: Demystifying Uncommon Sources of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain can result from gastrointestinal, gynecologic, urologic, neurologic, and musculoskeletal sources. This article focuses on the musculoskeletal lesions that contribute to acute and chronic pain throughout the musculoskeletal core. Armed with an understanding of musculoskeletal core anatomy and biomechanics, imagers play an integral role in the accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with pain and dysfunction from pelvic sources. MR imaging is the primary imaging modality used, but focused sonographic and radiographic techniques have a role. Ultimately, radiologists can help guide patients to the most appropriate subspecialty clinicians based on the underlying source of symptoms.

Hip and Groin Injuries in Baseball Players

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the clinical significance of the most common hip and groin injuries in baseball players, as well as an algorithmic approach to diagnosis and treatment of these injuries.

RECENT FINDINGS

(a) Limitations in throwing velocity, pitch control, and bat swing speed may be secondary to decreased mobility and strength within the proximal kinetic chain, which must harness power from the lower extremities and core. (b) Approximately 5.5% of all baseball injuries per year involve the hip/groin and may lead to a significant amount of time spent on the disabled list. Injuries involving the hip and groin are relatively common in baseball players. Our knowledge of the mechanics of overhead throwing continues to evolve, as does our understanding of the contribution of power from the lower extremities and core. It is paramount that the team physician be able to accurately diagnose and treat injuries involving the hip/groin, as they may lead to significant disability and inability to return to elite levels of play. This review focuses on hip- and groin-related injuries in the baseball player, including femoroacetabular impingement, core muscle injury, and osteitis pubis.

Prevalence of Surgical Repair for Athletic Pubalgia and Impact on Performance in Football Athletes Participating in the National Football League Combine

PURPOSE

To examine the prevalence and impact of athletic pubalgia (AP) surgery in elite American football athletes participating in the National Football League (NFL) Combine.

METHODS

Results from 1,311 athletes participating in the Combine from 2012 to 2015 were evaluated. Athletes with a history of AP repair were identified using the NFL Combine Database. Athlete history and available imaging was reviewed. NFL performance based on draft status, games played, games started, and current status in the NFL was gathered using publicly available databases. Statistical analysis was performed to detect for significant associations between athlete history and NFL performance in the presence of AP repair and pelvic pathology on postsurgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

AP repair was identified in 4.2% (n = 55) of athletes. MRI was performed in 35% (n = 19 of 55) with AP repair, of which 53% (n = 10 of 19) had positive pathology. Athletes with repair were not at risk of playing (P = .87) or starting (P = .45) fewer regular season games, going undrafted (P = .27), or not being on an active NFL roster (P = .51). Compared with athletes with negative imaging findings, positive pathology on MRI did not have a significant impact on games played (P = .74), games started (P = .48), draft status (P = .26), or being on an active roster (P = .74). Offensive linemen (P = .005) and athletes with a history of repair within 1 year of the Combine (P = .03) had a significantly higher risk of possessing positive pathology on MRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Athletes with a history of successful AP surgery invited to the NFL Combine and those with persistent pathology on MRI are not at increased risk for diminished performance in the NFL. Offensive linemen and athletes less than 1 year out from surgery have a higher risk for positive MRI findings at the pubic symphysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, prognostic study-case series.

Imaging of Groin Pain: Magnetic Resonance and Ultrasound Imaging Features

CONTEXT

Evaluation of groin pain in athletes may be challenging as pain is typically poorly localized and the pubic symphyseal region comprises closely approximated tendons and muscles. As such, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) may help determine the etiology of groin pain.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A PubMed search was performed using the following search terms: ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, sports hernia, athletic pubalgia, and groin pain. Date restrictions were not placed on the literature search.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

RESULTS

MRI is sensitive in diagnosing pathology in groin pain. Not only can MRI be used to image rectus abdominis/adductor longus aponeurosis and pubic bone pathology, but it can also evaluate other pathology within the hip and pelvis. MRI is especially helpful when groin pain is poorly localized. Real-time capability makes ultrasound useful in evaluating the pubic symphyseal region, as it can be used for evaluation and treatment.

CONCLUSION

MRI and US are valuable in diagnosing pathology in athletes with groin pain, with the added utility of treatment using US-guided intervention. Strength-of Recommendation Taxonomy: C.

Evaluation of Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging as a Technique for Detecting Bone Marrow Edema in Patients with Osteitis Pubis

Purpose:

Our aims were to determine the feasibility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in the detection of bone marrow edema (BME) and explore the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) alterations in patients with osteitis pubis (OP).

Materials and Methods:

42 consecutive patients clinically suspected to have athletic pubalgia and 31 control subjects were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent diagnostic focused magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DWI at b values of 0 and 600 s/mm². Two radiologists reviewed the images for the presence of active OP. The presence of subchondral BME and contrast enhancement were considered to indicate active OP. ADC values were measured from public bodies of both groups. DWI results were correlated with routine MRI findings. Receiver-operating-characteristic curves were formed. Cut-off values for ADC, sensitivity and specificity values were measured.

Results:

36/42 (85%) of the cases had BME/enhancement on routine MRIs and identified as active OP. ADC measurements of the patients were greater than the controls (P < 0.05). For the optimal cut-off values DWI showed sensitivity and specificity values of 97.3%, and 90.3%, for the right, and 97.1%, and 96.7% for the left side, respectively (Area under the curve 0.965 and 0.973). Intra-and inter-rater reliability for readers were substantial-perfect for all sessions.

Conclusion:

DWI is fast, accurate, and highly reproducible technique for the detection of BME in patients with active OP. It allows distinct bone marrow contrast without the use of gadolinium contrast, increases visual perception of active lesions, gives objective information by quantifying the diffusion coefficients, thus increase diagnostic confidence. We suggest the use of DWI as a cost-effective adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of active OP particularly in early cases and inconclusive diagnostic MRI. Future studies are necessary to determine the utility of DWI to evaluate severity of the disease and treatment response before returning athletes to play.

The Hip in Ice Hockey: A Current Concepts Review

Ice hockey is a fast, physical sport with unique associated biomechanical demands often placing the hip in forced and repetitive supraphysiological ranges of motion. Ice hockey players commonly endure and are sidelined by nebulous groin injury or hip pain. Underlying causes can be chronic or acute and extra-articular, intra-articular, or "hip-mimicking." This article serves to review common hip-related injuries in ice hockey. For each, we define the particular condition; comment on risk factors and preventive strategies; discuss key historical, physical examination, and imaging findings; and finally, suggest nonoperative and/or operative treatment plans.

Core Muscle Injury/Sports Hernia/Athletic Pubalgia, and Femoroacetabular Impingement

Core muscle injury/sports hernia/athletic pubalgia is an increasingly recognized source of pain, disability, and time lost from athletics. Groin pain among athletes, however, may be secondary to various etiologies. A thorough history and comprehensive physical examination, coupled with appropriate diagnostic imaging, may improve the diagnostic accuracy for patients who present with core muscular injuries. Outcomes of nonoperative management have not been well delineated, and multiple operative procedures have been discussed with varying return-to-athletic activity rates. In this review, we outline the clinical entity and treatment of core muscle injury and athletic pubalgia. In addition, we describe the relationship between athletic pubalgia and femoroacetabular impingement along with recent studies that have investigated the treatment of these related disorders.

Athletic groin pain (part 1): a prospective anatomical diagnosis of 382 patients--clinical findings, MRI findings and patient-reported outcome measures at baseline

Background

Athletic groin pain remains a common field-based team sports time-loss injury. There are few reports of non-surgically managed cohorts with athletic groin pain.

Aim

To describe clinical presentation/examination, MRI findings and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores for an athletic groin pain cohort.

Methods

All patients had a history including demographics, injury duration, sport played and standardised clinical examination. All patients underwent MRI and PRO score to assess recovery. A clinical diagnosis of the injured anatomical structure was made based on these findings. Statistical assessment of the reliability of accepted standard investigations undertaken in making an anatomical diagnosis was performed.

Result

382 consecutive athletic groin pain patients, all male, enrolled. Median time in pain at presentation was (IQR) 36 (16–75) weeks. Most (91%) played field-based ball-sports. Injury to the pubic aponeurosis (PA) 240 (62.8%) was the most common diagnosis. This was followed by injuries to the hip in 81 (21.2%) and adductors in 56 (14.7%) cases. The adductor squeeze test (90° hip flexion) was sensitive (85.4%) but not specific for the pubic aponeurosis and adductor pathology (negative likelihood ratio 1.95). Analysed in series, positive MRI findings and tenderness of the pubic aponeurosis had a 92.8% post-test probability.

Conclusions

In this largest cohort of patients with athletic groin pain combining clinical and MRI diagnostics there was a 63% prevalence of PA injury. The adductor squeeze test was sensitive for athletic groin pain, but not specific individual pathologies. MRI improved diagnostic post-test probability. No hernia or incipient hernia was diagnosed.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT02437942.

The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Athletic Pubalgia and Core Muscle Injury

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the standard of care imaging modality for a difficult, often misunderstood spectrum of musculoskeletal injury termed athletic pubalgia or core muscle injury. Armed with a dedicated noncontrast athletic pubalgia protocol and a late model phased array receiver coil, the musculoskeletal imager can play a great role in effective diagnosis and treatment planning for lesions, including osteitis pubis, midline pubic plate lesions, and rectus abdominis/adductor aponeurosis injury. Beyond these established patterns of MRI findings, there are many confounders and contributing pathologies about the pelvis in patients with activity related groin pain, including internal and periarticular derangements of the hip. The MRI is ideally suited to delineate the extent of expected injury and to identify the unexpected visceral and musculoskeletal lesions.

Imaging of adductor-related groin pain

Groin pain is a common condition in athletes and results from various causes. Osteitis pubis, adductor dysfunction, inguinal hernia, or a combination of all three entities, generally explains the onset of symptoms. Adductor longus tendinopathy is the main cause of adductor-related groin pain. It leads to a significant reduction of sports participation and can require surgical management. Diagnosis is based on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Asymptomatic findings (tendinosis, calcifications, cortical erosions) are common in athletes and care should be taken when assessing groin pain. The most specific sign of tendinopathy is an intratendinous tear of the adductor longus.