MR findings in athletes with pubalgia.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the MR findings in athletes with pubalgia.


METHODS
Pelvic MR images of 32 athletes (30 men, 2 women) with pubalgia were studied. T1-weighted and T2-weighted (SE and FSE) and STIR images in the axial and coronal planes were obtained on a 1.5-T system. Images were reviewed for general pelvic pathology. Special attention was given to the pubic symphysis, groin and pelvic musculature, and to the abdominal wall musculature.


RESULTS
Thirty surgically confirmed cases comprise the study group. Abnormalities in the following were found: pubic symphysis (21/30), abdominal wall (27/30), groin musculature, including rectus abdominis (21/30), pectineus (6/30), and adductor muscle group (18/30).


CONCLUSIONS
Pubalgia is a complex process which is frequently multifactorial. The MRI findings can alter the surgical approach.
Albers
S L
SL
Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Spritzer
C E
CE
Garrett
W E
WE
Meyers
W C
WC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*