Treatment of longstanding groin pain in athletes: a systematic review

The effectiveness of the Copenhagen adduction exercise on improving eccentric hip adduction strength among soccer players with groin injury: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Groin injuries are common in soccer players and often involve adductor muscle strains. The Copenhagen Adduction Exercise (CAE) is a targeted intervention whose effectiveness in rehabilitation for these injuries warrants investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of a rehabilitation program, which includes the CAE, on eccentric hip adduction (EHAD) strength, hip joint range of motion (ROM), self-reported disability, and pain among soccer players with adductor-related groin pain. It was hypothesized that the addition of CAE to the rehabilitation program would yield greater improvements.

METHODS

Employing a randomized controlled trial with a two-group parallel design, thirty male soccer players with a mean age of 26.4 ± 3.9 years were randomized into an intervention group (IG) including CAE (n = 15) and a control group (CG) without CAE (n = 15), based on a power analysis to ensure 80% power to detect significant differences. Both groups engaged in their respective rehabilitation programs twice a week for eight weeks. The primary outcome measured was EHAD strength, while secondary outcomes included hip joint ROM, self-reported disability measured by the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), and pain levels.

RESULTS

Significant improvements within groups were observed across all measures (p < 0.001). The IG demonstrated a greater increase in EHAD strength (Mean Difference [MD] = 0.49 Nm/kg, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [0.31, 0.66]), a more pronounced reduction in pain (MD = -1.60, 95% CI [-2.18, -1.02]), and betterment in all HAGOS subscale scores compared to the CG. There were no significant between-group differences in hip joint ROM.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating the CAE into rehabilitation programs significantly improves EHAD strength, decreases pain scores, and reduces self-reported disability in soccer players with adductor-related groin pain.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05589623.

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.

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.

Pain provocation tests and clinical entities in male football players with longstanding groin pain are associated with pain intensity and disability

BACKGROUND

Clinical examination of male football players with longstanding groin pain can be considered difficult. Pain provocation tests are used to examine and classify longstanding groin pain into clinical entities as adductor-, iliopsoas-, inguinal-, and pubic-related. It is unknown if pain provocation tests and clinical entities are associated with pain intensity and disability.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if the number of positive pain provocation tests and clinical entities are associated with pain intensity and disability, measured by the Copenhagen 5-Second Squeeze Test (5SST) and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), respectively.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHOD

Forty male football players (age: mean 24 years [SD: 3.2]; height: mean 182 cm [SD: 5.7]; weight: mean 78 Kg [SD: 6.6]) with longstanding groin pain for a median of 8.5 months (IQR: 4-36) were included. The players underwent a bilateral groin examination with 33 pain provocation tests and were classified with clinical entities (0-7) based on the test findings.

RESULTS

The number of positive pain provocation tests (median 10, range 2-23) correlated with pain intensity (5SST: rs = 0.70 [95% CI: 0.50, 0.83]) and disability (HAGOS subscales Sport: rs =-0.62 [95% CI: -0.81, -0.36], Pain: rs = -0.38 [95% CI: -0.69, -0.06], Symptoms: rs = 0.52 [95% CI: -0.73, -0.24], ADL: rs = -0.48 [95% CI: -0.71, -0.18]). The number of clinical entities (median 3, range: 1-7) showed similar but weaker correlations to pain intensity and disability.

CONCLUSIONS

In male football players with longstanding groin pain, the number of positive pain provocation tests and clinical entities shows weak to strong correlations with pain intensity and disability. Consequently, when pain intensity and disability are severe, a higher number of pain provocation tests may be positive, and more clinical entities may be present.

The Brazilian hip and groin outcome score (HAGOS-Br): cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties

BACKGROUND

Hip and groin pain or symptoms is a recurrent musculoskeletal complaint among young and active individuals. It is important to objectively measure functional limitations using patient-related outcomes that have been validated in the language of the target population.

OBJECTIVES

To perform a cross-cultural adaptation and to evaluate the measurement properties of the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) for the Brazilian population.

METHODS

We adapted the HAGOS to Brazilian Portuguese and evaluated the following measurement properties: internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, and structural and construct validity. The sample recruited consisted of active individuals between 18 and 55 years of age with long standing hip and groin pain and individuals who participated in sports with high physical demand of the hip and groin region.

RESULTS

A total of 103 athletes and physically active individuals of both sexes participated in this study. The HAGOS was successfully translated and culturally adapted to the Brazilian population. Factor analysis confirmed that the HAGOS consists of six subscales. The HAGOS-Br showed good internal consistency. The CFA revealed a Cronbach's alpha for the HAGOS subscales ranging from 0.86 to 0.96, test-retest reliability was substantial, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.94 for the six subscales and an acceptable measurement error (standard error of measurement [SEM]=5.43-11.15 points; and smallest detectable chance [SDC]= 16.71-30.9 points). Good construct validity existed with more than 75% of the pre-defined hypotheses being confirmed. No ceiling or floor effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

The HAGOS-Br showed to be equivalent to the original version with adequate validity and reliability properties.

Long-term pain relief after groin hernia repair for sports groin: A nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

The groin is a complex anatomical area with multiple structures that can be injured and cause pain. One condition with groin pain is the so-called "sports groin," which can be treated with a groin hernia repair even though no hernia is present. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic groin pain several years after a groin hernia repair performed in patients with a sports groin.

METHODS

This nationwide cohort study included adults who had a groin hernia repair for a sports groin through the years 1998-2011. The patients were identified through the Danish Hernia Database and in surgical records. Patients were asked to fill out four questionnaires several years after the repair: a visual analogue scale, the Activity Assessment Scale, the Inguinal Pain Questionnaire, and a questionnaire about treatment satisfaction.

RESULTS

Of 118 contacted patients, 71 gave informed consent and were included in the study (60%), and of these the response rate was 100%. The questionnaires were filled out median 14 years after surgery. Most of the patients were pain-free in the operated groin (87%), and only a few had physical impairment caused by groin pain (20%). Prior to surgery, 79% had groin pain that they could not ignore. Overall, 90% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients were pain-free and without physical impairment several years after groin hernia repair for a sports groin and with high satisfaction rate.

Stretching for Recovery from Groin Pain or Injury in Athletes: A Critical and Systematic Review

Stretching is usually used as part of rehabilitation protocols for groin pain or injury, but its specific contribution to and within multimodal recovery protocols is unclear. Our goal was to systematically review the effects of stretching for the recovery from groin pain or injury. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, with eligibility criteria defined according to PICOS: (Participants) athletes with groin pain or injuries; (Interventions) interventions with stretching as the differentiating factor; (Comparators) comparators not applying stretching; (Outcomes) symptom remission or improvement and/or time to return to sport and/or return to play; (Study design) randomized controlled trials. Searches were performed on 26 March 2021, in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, EMBASE, PEDro, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science, with no limitations regarding language or date, and no filters. Of 117 retrieved results, 65 were duplicates and 49 were excluded at the screening stage. The three articles eligible for full-text analysis failed to comply with one or more inclusion criteria (participants, intervention and/or comparators). We then went beyond the protocol and searched for non-randomized trials and case series, but no intervention was found where stretching was the differentiating factor. We found no trials specifically assessing the effects of stretching on recovery or improvement of groin pain or injury in athletes. Currently, the efficacy of these interventions is unknown, and more research is warranted.

Pubic and adductor related groin pain in an athlete: A case report linking pathology to conservative care

STUDY DESIGN

Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Groin pain in athletes is considered a common condition among males participating in sports that require sprinting, twisting, pivoting and kicking activities. While the condition is considered self-limiting, it often keeps athletes away from sport for a prolonged period of time. Much controversy exists regarding the pathogenesis of groin pain. This conflict translates to disagreement regarding diagnostic criteria, reporting and management strategies.

CASE PRESENTATION

a 28-year old recreational soccer player presented with a five-month history of groin pain that was resistant to passive care. With reference to the current conservative management literature, the athlete was progressed through an individualized multimodal program of care.

OUTCOMES

Following 10-weeks of care, the athlete was able to return to sport participation pain-free.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that groin pain in athletes is likely multifactorial and therefore the management should reflect its multifactorial nature. Conservative therapy can evidently reduce the time to return to play however the benefits of incorporating plyometrics into the rehabilitation program should be investigated.

Patient-reported outcome measures for hip-related pain: a review of the available evidence and a consensus statement from the International Hip-related Pain Research Network, Zurich 2018

Hip-related pain is a well-recognised complaint among active young and middle-aged active adults. People experiencing hip-related disorders commonly report pain and reduced functional capacity, including difficulties in executing activities of daily living. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential to accurately examine and compare the effects of different treatments on disability in those with hip pain. In November 2018, 38 researchers and clinicians working in the field of hip-related pain met in Zurich, Switzerland for the first International Hip-related Pain Research Network meeting. Prior to the meeting, evidence summaries were developed relating to four prioritised themes. This paper discusses the available evidence and consensus process from which recommendations were made regarding the appropriate use of PROMs to assess disability in young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain. Our process to gain consensus had five steps: (1) systematic review of systematic reviews; (2) preliminary discussion within the working group; (3) update of the more recent high-quality systematic review and examination of the psychometric properties of PROMs according to established guidelines; (4) formulation of the recommendations considering the limitations of the PROMs derived from the examination of their quality; and (5) voting and consensus. Out of 102 articles retrieved, 6 systematic reviews were selected and assessed for quality according to AMSTAR 2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews). Two showed moderate quality. We then updated the most recent review. The updated literature search resulted in 10 additional studies that were included in the qualitative synthesis. The recommendations based on evidence summary and PROMs limitations were presented at the consensus meeting. The group makes the following recommendations: (1) the Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT) instruments (long and reduced versions) are the most appropriate PROMs to use in young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain; (2) more research is needed into the utility of the HAGOS and the iHOT instruments in a non-surgical treatment context; and (3) generic quality of life measures such as the EuroQoL-5 Dimension Questionnaire and the Short Form Health Survey-36 may add value for researchers and clinicians in this field. We conclude that as none of the instruments shows acceptable quality across various psychometric properties, more methods studies are needed to further evaluate the validity of these PROMS—the HAGOS and iHOT—as well as the other (currently not recommended) PROMS.

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.

Clinical and biomechanical outcomes of rehabilitation targeting intersegmental control in athletic groin pain: prospective cohort of 205 patients

Background

Clinical assessments and rehabilitation in athletic groin pain (AGP) have focused on specific anatomical structures and uniplanar impairments rather than whole body movement.

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of rehabilitation that targeted intersegmental control in patients with AGP and to investigate post rehabilitation changes in cutting biomechanics.

Methods

Two hundred and five patients with AGP were rehabilitated focusing on clinical assessment of intersegmental control, linear running and change of direction mechanics in this prospective case series. Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary measures included pain-free return to play rates and times, pain provocation on squeeze tests and three-dimensional (3D) biomechanical analysis during a 110° cutting manoeuvre.

Results

Following rehabilitation, patients demonstrated clinically relevant improvements in HAGOS scores (effect size (ES): 0.6–1.7). 73% of patients returned to play pain-free at a mean of 9.9 weeks (±3.5). Squeeze test values also improved (ES: 0.49–0.68). Repeat 3D analysis of the cutting movement demonstrated reductions in ipsilateral trunk side flexion (ES: 0.79) and increased pelvic rotation in the direction of travel (ES: 0.76). Changes to variables associated with improved cutting performance: greater centre of mass translation in the direction of travel relative to centre of pressure (ES: 0.4), reduced knee flexion angle (ES: 0.3) and increased ankle plantar flexor moment (ES: 0.48) were also noted.

Conclusions

Rehabilitation focused on intersegmental control was associated with improved HAGOS scores, high rates of pain-free return to sporting participation and biomechanical changes associated with improved cutting performance across a range of anatomical diagnoses seen in AGP.

The Effect of Therapeutic Exercise on Long-Standing Adductor-Related Groin Pain in Athletes: Modified Hölmich Protocol

Objective

The Hölmich protocol in therapeutic exercise is the most appropriate method for the treatment of long-standing adductor-related groin pain (LSAGP). Herein, we evaluated a modified Hölmich protocol to resolve the possible limitations intrinsic to the Hölmich protocol in terms of the rate of return to sport and the recovery period for athletes with LSAGP.

Design

The study followed a single-blind, before/after study design, where 15 athletes with LSAGP (mean age = 26.13 years; SD = 4.48) performed a 10-week modified Hölmich therapeutic exercise protocol.

Results

Outcome scores related to pain, hip adductor and abductor muscle strengths, and the ratio of maximum isometric and eccentric hip adduction to abduction strength increased significantly. Likewise, hip abduction and internal rotation ROM improved significantly compared to that at baseline. Furthermore, functional records (t-test, Edgren Side Step Test, and Triple Hop Test) showed significant improvement after treatment. Finally, 13 athletes (86.6% of the participants) successfully returned to sports activity in a mean time of 12.06 weeks (SD = 3.41).

Conclusion

The findings of this study objectively show that the modified Hölmich protocol may be safer and more effective than the Hölmich protocol in athletes with LSAGP in promoting their return to sports activity. This trial is registered with  IRCT2016080829269N1.

Worse self-reported outcomes but no limitations in performance-based measures in patients with long-standing hip and groin pain compared with healthy controls

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes as well as lower extremity and trunk muscle function in patients with long-standing hip and groin pain, in comparison with matched, healthy controls. It was hypothesized that patients with long-standing hip and groin pain would report more deficiency on the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and have worse outcomes on performance-based measures than healthy controls.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with long-standing hip and groin pain and 19 healthy, activity level-, age-, gender-, and weight-matched controls were assessed with the HAGOS for self-reported outcomes, and a parallel squat (w/kg), single-leg triple jump (cm), single-leg rise (n), barbell roll-out (% of height), and plank test (s) for performance-based measures. Independent sample t test was performed to assess between-group differences. The paired t test was used to analyse between-limb differences in unilateral performance tasks.

RESULTS

The patients had worse scores than the controls in all HAGOS subscales (p ≤ 0.001), while no statistically significant differences were observed for any performance measure between groups or between symptomatic and non-symptomatic limbs.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significant self-reported functional limitations on the HAGOS, there were no significant differences between groups in performance-based strength or power measures. The results of this study highlight the need to identify performance-based measures, sensitive to functional deficiencies in patients with long-standing hip and groin pain in order to complement the clinical picture obtained by patient-reported outcomes such as the HAGOS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

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.

Activation of the hip adductor muscles varies during a simulated weight-bearing task

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pattern of muscle activation of the individual hip adductor muscles using a standardised simulated unilateral weight-bearing task.

DESIGN

A repeated measures design.

SETTING

Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

20 healthy individuals (11 females, 9 males) participated in the study. Age ranged from 20 to 25 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Surface electromyography recordings from adductor magnus and adductor longus muscles were taken at levels representing 10-50% of body weight during a simulated weight-bearing task. Electromyography (EMG) data were normalised to maximal voluntary isometric contraction.

RESULTS

The adductor magnus was recruited at significantly higher levels than the adductor longus muscle during a simulated weight-bearing task performed across 10-50% of body weight (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Adductor magnus and adductor longus muscles are recruited to different extents during a simulated weight-bearing task. This information should be considered when selecting exercises for management and prevention of groin strains. Closed chain exercises with weight-bearing through the lower limb are more likely to recruit the adductor magnus muscle over the adductor longus muscle.

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.

Study quality on groin injury management remains low: a systematic review on treatment of groin pain in athletes

Background

Groin pain in athletes is frequent and many different treatment options have been proposed. The current level of evidence for the efficacy of these treatments is unknown.

Objective

Systematically review the literature on the efficacy of treatments for groin pain in athletes.

Methods

Nine medical databases were searched in May 2014. Inclusion criteria: treatment studies in athletes with groin pain; randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials or case series; n>10; outcome measures describing number of recovered athletes, patient satisfaction, pain scores or functional outcome scores. One author screened search results, and two authors independently assessed study quality. A best evidence synthesis was performed. Relationships between quality score and outcomes were evaluated. Review registration number CRD42014010262.

Results

72 studies were included for quality analysis. Four studies were high quality. There is moderate evidence that, for adductor-related groin pain, active exercises compared with passive treatments improve success, multimodal treatment with a manual therapy technique shortens the time to return to sports compared with active exercises and adductor tenotomy improves treatment success over time. There is moderate evidence that for athletes with sportsman's hernia, surgery results in better treatment success then conservative treatment. There was a moderate and inverse correlation between study quality and treatment success (p<0.001, r=−0.41), but not between study quality and publication year (p=0.09, r=0.20).

Conclusions

Only 6% of publications were high quality. Low-quality studies showed significantly higher treatment success and study quality has not improved since 1985. There is moderate evidence for the efficacy of conservative treatment (active exercises and multimodal treatments) and for surgery in patients with adductor-related groin pain. There is moderate evidence for efficacy of surgical treatment in sportsman's hernia.

Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) questionnaires for young to middle-aged adults with hip and groin disability: a systematic review of the clinimetric evidence

BACKGROUND/AIM

To recommend Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) questionnaires to measure hip and groin disability in young-aged to middle-aged adults.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in June 2014. The methodological quality of the studies included was determined using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments list (COSMIN) together with standardised evaluations of measurement properties of each PRO.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were included. Nine different questionnaires for patients with hip disability, and one for hip and groin disability, were identified. Hip And Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (IHOT-12) and IHOT-33 were the most thoroughly investigated PROs and studies including these PROs reported key aspects of the COSMIN checklist. HAGOS and IHOT-12 were based on studies with the least ratings of poor study methodology (23% and 31%, respectively), whereas IHOT-33 and HOS had a somewhat larger distribution (46%). These PROs all contain adequate measurement qualities for content validity (except HOS), test-retest reliability, construct validity, responsiveness and interpretability. No information or poor quality rating on methodological aspects made it impossible to fully evaluate the remaining PROs at present.

CONCLUSIONS

HAGOS, HOS, IHOT-12 and IHOT-33 can be recommended for assessment of young-aged to middle-aged adults with pain related to the hip joint, undergoing non-surgical treatment or hip arthroscopy. At present, HAGOS is the only PRO also aimed for young-aged to middle-aged adults presenting with groin pain and is recommended for use in this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42014009995.

Conservative interventions for treating exercise-related musculotendinous, ligamentous and osseous groin pain

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal, ligamentous and osseous groin injuries are common in athletes and may result in a delay of several months to resume sports. Even then, this may not be at the former level of sport activity. The treatment of exercise-related groin pain is mainly conservative (non-surgical), using interventions such as exercises, electrotherapy, manual therapy and steroid injections.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of conservative interventions for treating exercise-related musculotendinous, ligamentous and osseous groin pain.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (December 2011); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 4); MEDLINE (1948 to November week 3 2011); EMBASE (1980 to Week 49 2011); CINAHL (1982 to December 2011); LILACS (1982 to December 2011); PEDro (1929 to December 2011), SPORTDiscus (1985 to December 2011), OTseeker (to December 2011), reference lists of papers and conference proceedings (2000 to 2011).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials evaluating conservative interventions for treating exercise-related musculotendinous, ligamentous and osseous groin pain were included. Studies comparing conservative with surgical treatments were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and conducted risk of bias assessments. There was no pooling of data.

MAIN RESULTS

Two studies, involving a total of 122 participants who had experienced adductor-related groin pain for at least two months, were included in this review. All but one of the participants were male athletes aged between 18 and 50 years old. Both studies were assessed as 'high risk of bias' for at least one source of bias domain. The 'successful treatment' outcome reported in both studies was based primarily on pain measures.One study, based on an intention-to-treat analysis, found a significant difference favouring exercise therapy (strengthening with an emphasis on the adductor and abdominal muscles and training muscular co-ordination) compared with 'conventional' physiotherapy (stretching exercises, electrotherapy and transverse friction massage) in successful treatment at 16-week follow-up (25/34 (74%) versus 10/34 (29%); risk ratio (RR) 2.50, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.37, P = 0.001). Similarly, of those followed-up significantly more athletes treated by exercise therapy returned to sport at the same level (23/29 (79%) versus 4/30 (13%); RR 5.95, 95% CI 2.34 to 15.09, P = 0.0002). Although still favouring the exercise group, the differences between the two groups in patients' subjective global assessment at 16 weeks and successful treatment at 8 to 12 years follow-up were not statistically significant.The second study (54 participants) found no significant differences at 16-week follow-up between a multi-modal treatment (heat, manual therapy and stretching) and exercise therapy (the same intervention as in the above study) for the outcomes of successful treatment (14/26 (54%) versus 12/22 (55%); RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.66, P = 0.96) and return to full sports participation (13/26 (50%) versus 12/22 (55%); RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.58, P = 0.75). Those returning to full sports participation returned on average 4.5 weeks earlier after receiving multi-modal therapy (mean difference -4.50 weeks, 95% CI -8.60 to -0.40, P = 0.03) than those in the exercise therapy group. This study reported that there were no complications or side effects found in either intervention group.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence from the randomized trials is insufficient to advise on any specific conservative modality for treating exercise-related groin pain. While still low quality, the best evidence is from one trial which found that exercise therapy (strengthening of hip and abdominal muscles) in athletes improves short-term outcomes (based primarily on pain measures) and return to sports compared with physiotherapy consisting of passive modalities. Given the low quality of the available evidence from both included trials, further randomized trials are necessary to reinforce their findings.

Ultrasound in sports medicine: relevance of emerging techniques to clinical care of athletes

The applications of ultrasound in managing the clinical care of athletes have been expanding over the past decade. This review provides an analysis of the research that has been published regarding the use of ultrasound in athletes and focuses on how these emerging techniques can impact the clinical management of athletes by sports medicine physicians. Electronic database literature searches were performed using the subject terms 'ultrasound' and 'athletes' from the years 2003 to 2012. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus™. The search produced 617 articles in total, with a predominance of articles focused on cardiac and musculoskeletal ultrasound. 266 of the studies involved application of ultrasound in evaluating the cardiovascular properties of athletes, and 151 studies involved musculoskeletal ultrasound. Other applications of ultrasound included abdominal, vascular, bone density and volume status. New techniques in echocardiography have made significant contributions to the understanding of the physiological changes that occur in the athlete's heart in response to the haemodynamic stress associated with different types of activity. The likely application of these techniques will be in managing athletes with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the techniques are near ready for application into clinical practice. These techniques are highly specialized, however, and will require referral to dedicated laboratories to influence the clinical management of athletes. Investigation of aortic root pathology and pulmonary vascular haemodynamics are also emerging, but will require additional studies with larger numbers and outcomes analysis to validate their clinical utility. Some of these techniques are relatively simple, and thus hold the potential to enter clinical management in a point-of-care fashion. Musculoskeletal ultrasound has demonstrated a number of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques applicable to pathology of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee and ankle. These techniques have been applied mainly to the management of impingement syndromes, tendinopathies and arthritis. Many of these techniques have been validated and have entered clinical practice, while more recently developed techniques (such as dynamic ultrasound and platelet-rich plasma injections) will require further research to verify efficacy. Research in musculoskeletal ultrasound has also been helpful in identifying risk factors for injury and, thus, serving as a focus for developing interventions. Research in abdominal ultrasound has investigated the potential role of ultrasound imaging in assessing splenomegaly in athletes with mononucleosis, in an attempt to inform decisions and policies regarding return to play. Future research will have to demonstrate a reduction in adverse events in order to justify the application of such a technique into policy. The role of ultrasound in assessing groin pain and abdominal pain in ultraendurance athletes has also been investigated, providing promising areas of focus for the development of treatment interventions and physical therapy. Finally, preliminary research has also identified the role of ultrasound in addressing vascular disease, bone density and volume status in athletes. The potential applications of ultrasound in athletes are broad, and continuing research, including larger outcome studies, will be required to establish the clinical utility of these techniques in the care of athletes.

Continued significant effect of physical training as treatment for overuse injury: 8- to 12-year outcome of a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The treatment of exercise-related injuries is often a problem, and recurrent injuries are common. Two recent systematic reviews found only one high-quality paper on the treatment of long-standing groin pain. In this randomized clinical trial, a training program including strength training resulted in a return of 79% of the athletes to the previous level of sport without any groin pain. The long-term effect of this exercise program was evaluated.

HYPOTHESIS

The effect of the exercise program for adductor-related groin pain is long lasting.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Forty-seven (80%) of the 59 original participants of the study agreed to participate in this 8- to 12-year follow-up. They were all interviewed and examined using a standardized and reproducible protocol, identical to the one used in the original trial. The investigating physician (P.N.) was not involved in the original study and was unaware of the original treatment allocation.

RESULTS

A significant effect of the active training treatment still existed for the whole group (P = .047) and even more for the subgroup of 39 (83%) soccer players (P = .012). No significant differences were found regarding age, present sports activity, reasons for activity reduction, or time to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial short-term effect of the exercise program used in the primary randomized clinical trial for treating long-standing adductor-related groin pain in athletes was found to be lasting, both for the whole group and even more for the large subgroup of soccer players. This is the first time an exercise treatment for overuse injuries to the musculoskeletal system has been shown to have a long-lasting effect (8-12 years).

Manual or exercise therapy for long-standing adductor-related groin pain: a randomised controlled clinical trial

HYPOTHESIS

A multi-modal treatment program (MMT) is more effective than exercise therapy (ET) for the treatment of long-standing adductor-related groin pain.

STUDY DESIGN

Single blinded, prospective, randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

PATIENTS

Athletes with pain at the proximal insertion of the adductor muscles on palpation and resisted adduction for at least two months.

INTERVENTIONS

ET: a home-based ET and a structured return to running program with instruction on three occasions from a sports physical therapist. MMT: Heat, Van den Akker manual therapy followed by stretching and a return to running program.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

time to return to full sports participation.

SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

objective outcome score and the visual analogue pain score during sports activities. Outcome was assessed at 0, 6, 16 and 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Athletes who received MMT returned to sports quicker (12.8 weeks, SD 6.0) than athletes in the ET group (17.3 weeks, SD 4.4. p = 0.043). Only 50-55% of athletes in both groups made a full return to sports. There was no difference between the groups in objective outcome (p = 0.72) or VAS during sports (p = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

The multi-modal program resulted in a significantly quicker return to sports than ET plus return to running but neither treatment was very effective.

Short and mid-term results of a comprehensive treatment program for longstanding adductor-related groin pain in athletes: a case series

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate short and mid-term results of active physical therapy in athletes with longstanding groin pain.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Primary care physical therapy practice.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 44 athletes suffering longstanding adductor-related groin pain.

INTERVENTION

A combination of passive (joint mobilization) and active (exercises) physical therapy interventions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Return to (the same level of) sports, restriction in sports, and recurrence.

RESULTS

Directly after treatment, return to the same level and type of sport was successful in 38 athletes (86%), and without symptoms in 34 athletes (77%). At 6.5-51 months follow up, 10/38 (26%) of those that returned to sports had experienced a relapse; 22 (50%) athletes were able to participate in sports without any restrictions at the mid-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

For athletes with longstanding groin pain, short term results of physical therapy seem positive, whereas mid-term results are moderately positive. The risk for recurrence is high.

The effect of experimental groin pain on abdominal muscle thickness

OBJECTIVES

It is not clear whether abnormal abdominal muscle behavior in athletes with longstanding groin pain is a risk factor for groin pain or is caused by groin pain itself. Therefore, this study investigated whether anticipation of experimental groin pain influences abdominal muscle behavior.

METHODS

In 14 healthy athletes, abdominal muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound under conditions of anticipated groin pain and acute groin pain. Groin pain was induced using superficial electrical skin stimulation. Tasks evaluated were isometric hip adduction and active straight leg raise (ASLR) left.

RESULTS

The m. transversus abdominis and m. obliquus internus showed a significant decrease in thickness during "anticipation of pain" compared with "no pain" and "pain" during both hip adduction and ASLR (P values <0.04). For m. obliquus externus, a significant increase in thickness was found only during "pain" compared with "no pain" and "anticipation of pain" for ASLR (P<0.004).

DISCUSSION

If ASLR or hip adduction is associated with anticipated groin pain, abdominal muscle behavior is different from a pain-free situation and from a painful situation. These results suggest that abnormal abdominal muscle behavior found in athletes with longstanding groin pain may be caused by a pain anticipatory motor strategy. This may have implications for rehabilitation.

Changes in abdominal muscle thickness measured by ultrasound are not associated with recovery in athletes with longstanding groin pain associated with resisted hip adduction

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal single-cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Athletes with longstanding groin pain associated with resisted hip adduction have been shown to have abnormal activation of the transversus abdominis (TA). Therefore, exercises targeting the TA to help stabilize the lumbopelvic area are generally used in the rehabilitation of these athletes.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if (1) changes in abdominal muscle resting thickness and changes in relative thickness during lower extremity tasks after 14 weeks of intervention are related to changes in clinical status and (2) the changes in abdominal muscle resting/relative thickness are significant postintervention.

METHODS

In 21 athletes with longstanding groin pain associated with resisted hip adduction, ultrasound imaging of the abdominal musculature on the right side was performed at rest, during the active straight-leg raise (left and right), and during bilateral isometric hip adduction. Athletes then followed a 14-week rehabilitation protocol. Clinical outcome measured by self-reported sports restriction and change in abdominal muscle resting and relative thickness during lower extremity tasks were evaluated.

RESULTS

There was an overall significant decrease in self-reported sports restriction after intervention for this group of athletes. Apart from a significant negative correlation for changes in TA resting thickness, no significant association between changes in abdominal muscle thickness and change in self-reported sports restriction were found. Postintervention, TA resting thickness was significantly increased but relative thickness during the lower extremity tasks was found not to be statistically different for all muscles, except for a decreased relative thickness of obliquus externus abdominus (OE) during the active straight-leg raise for the left lower extremity.

CONCLUSION

There was no association between changes in abdominal muscle resting thickness and relative thickness during lower extremity tasks, and change in self-reported sports restriction after a period of physical therapy in athletes with longstanding groin pain associated with resisted hip adduction. Although this study was designed as a single-cohort longitudinal study, the data suggest that the intervention described can change TA resting thickness. The intervention did not influence abdominal muscle relative thickness during lower extremity tasks.

A systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of exercise therapy for groin pain in athletes

Background

Athletes competing in sports that require running, changes in direction, repetitive kicking and physical contact are at a relatively higher risk of experiencing episodes of athletic groin pain. To date, there has been no systematic review that aims to inform clinicians about the best available evidence on features of exercise interventions for groin pain in athletes. The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of exercise therapy for groin pain in athletes. The secondary aim of this review was to identify the key features of exercise interventions used in the management of groin pain in an athletic population.

Methods

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTSDiscus, Embase, AMED, Ovid, PEDro, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Google Scholar databases were electronically searched. Data relating to research design, sample population, type of sport and exercise intervention was extracted. The methodological evaluation of included studies was conducted by using a modified quantitative critical appraisal tool.

Results

The search strategy identified 468 studies, 12 of which were potentially relevant. Ultimately five studies were included in this review. Overall the quality of primary research literature was moderate, with only one randomised controlled trial identified. All included studies provided evidence that an exercise intervention may lead to favourable outcomes in terms of return to sport. Four of the five studies reviewed included a strengthening component and most utilised functional, standing positions similar to those required by their sport. No study appropriately reported the intensity of their exercise interventions. Duration of intervention ranged from 3.8 weeks to 16 weeks. All five studies reported the use of one or more co-intervention.

Conclusion

Best available evidence to date, with its limitations, continues to support common clinical practice of exercise therapy as a key component of rehabilitation for groin pain in athletes. Overall, the available evidence suggests that exercise, particularly strengthening exercise of the hip and abdominal musculature could be an effective intervention for athletes with groin pain. Literature provides foundational evidence that this may need to be in the form of progressive exercises (static to functional) and performed through range. There is currently no clear evidence regarding the most effective intensity and frequency of exercise, because of a lack of reporting in the primary literature.

Prevention and management of osteitis pubis in the Australian Football League: a qualitative analysis

OBJECTIVES

To examine current practices and develop a set of recommendations for the management of osteitis pubis in the Australian Football League (AFL).

DESIGN

A qualitative study using in-depth interviews to gather data and thematic coding to analyze findings.

SETTING

Participants were interviewed in their workplace or at a convenient meeting point.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-six medical and fitness staff from the 16 AFL clubs.

RESULTS

Respondents from all clubs viewed osteitis pubis as an overuse injury and recognized that the key to prevention is balancing pelvic integrity and load. Osteitis pubis was described as the end result of a continuum of groin pathology, and recognition of predisposing factors and early detection were identified as the key elements of optimal management. Management strategies included rest, training modification, cross-training, correction of predisposing factors, physical therapy and a progression back to competition. Most clubs also conduct generic prevention and education programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, respondents perceived that awareness and management of osteitis pubis is currently at a high level in the AFL. Management of osteitis pubis requires the balancing of pelvic integrity and mechanical load through the pelvis and the early identification of warning signs.