Herniographic findings in athletes with unclear groin pain.
BACKGROUND
Groin pain in athletes is a common symptom and may, among many other entities, be caused by skeletal changes in the symphysis and the pubic bone or hernia.


METHODS
Herniographies in 51 athletes -- mainly soccer players -- with unclear groin pain were reviewed. The prevalence of various hernias and skeletal changes at the symphysis and os pubis was registered. A questionnaire was also sent to the patients 3-20 years after the herniography.


RESULTS
A hernia was found in 13 patients. Four patients had an indirect inguinal hernia. Eight patients had a direct inguinal hernia and 1 had an obturator hernia. The prevalence of direct inguinal hernia was higher than expected in young men. This may be explained by strain at physical exercise. Bone changes at the pubic symphysis were found in 32 patients, 21 of whom had advanced changes.


CONCLUSIONS
A hernia can be found with herniography in one-fourth of athletes with long-standing unclear groin pain. Therefore herniography should be included in the diagnostic procedure. Lesions of the symphysis may be the result of strain of tendons, ligaments and fascias. This may predispose for an inguinal hernia as well.
Kesek
P
P
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Ekberg
O
O
Westlin
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006119:Groin; D006550:Hernia, Femoral / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006553:Hernia, Obturator / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography