title: Radiological findings in symphyseal and adductor-related groin pain in athletes: a critical review of the literature.
abstract: Long-standing symphyseal and adductor-related groin pain is a common problem for many athletes, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Radiological evaluation of symptomatic individuals is a cornerstone in the diagnostic workup, and should be based on precise and reliable diagnostic terms and imaging techniques. The authors performed a review of the existing original evidence-based radiological literature involving radiography, ultrasonography and MRI in athletes with long-standing symphyseal and adductor-related groin pain. Our search yielded 17 original articles, of which 12 were dedicated to MRI, four to radiography and one to ultrasonography. Four main radiological findings seem to consistently appear: degenerative changes at the pubic symphyseal joint, pathology at the adductor muscle insertions, pubic bone marrow oedema and the secondary cleft sign. However, the existing diagnostic terminology is confusing, and the interpretation of radiological findings would benefit from imaging studies using a more systematic approach.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Arthroscopic Center Amager, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark. Sonia.Branci.01@regionh.dk
authors: Sonia
authors: S
authors: Branci
authors: Kristian
authors: K
authors: Thorborg
authors: Michael Bachmann
authors: MB
authors: Nielsen
authors: Per
authors: P
authors: Hölmich
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006119:Groin; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011631:Pubic Symphysis / Q000473:pathology*; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Groin Injuries; MRI; Soccer; Sporting Injuries; Ultrasound