What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• AP (Athletic Pubalgia)
• Athletic Hernia
• Gilmore's Groin

What is Athletic Pubalgia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Athletic Pubalgia is a strain or tear of any soft tissue (muscle, tendon, or ligament) that occurs in the lower abdomen or groin area
• Even though in many cases an Athletic Pubalgia can lead to a traditional hernia in the abdominal region, it is a different type of injury
• The condition usually occurs during sports that require sudden directional changes such as with soccer, tennis, and cricket
• Rest, physical therapy, and over-the-counter medications are usually the initially recommended measures to treat Athletic Pubalgia. However, surgery is an option if conservative treatment do not help relieve pain
• The prognosis for Athletic Pubalgia is generally good if properly diagnosed and treated

Who gets Athletic Pubalgia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Athletic Pubalgia may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and genders
• However, it is much more common in male athletes (sportspersons) than in female athletes

What are the Risk Factors for Athletic Pubalgia? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors for Athletic Pubalgia include:

• Participating in certain sports such as basketball and tennis
• Male athletes are more likely to experience this injury; the condition is rare among female athletes
• Being overweight or obese
• Some research suggests that individuals with weaker abdominal muscles compared to upper thigh muscles have an increased risk for Athletic Pubalgia

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Athletic Pubalgia? (Etiology)

In some cases, there is no proven cause of Athletic Pubalgia, and it develops slowly over time. However, the following are believed to be potential causes of the condition:

• A congenital defect in the groin region after birth
• Individuals who participate in sports that require sudden directional changes or twisting motions such as involved while playing soccer, cricket, or tennis
• Older age due to decreased muscle strength
• Previous surgery to the groin area

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Athletic Pubalgia?

The signs and symptoms of Athletic Pubalgia include:

• Severe pain surrounding the groin at the time of the injury
• Pain in the groin when sneezing and coughing
• Individuals may experience stiffness and tenderness after exercising

How is Athletic Pubalgia Diagnosed?

Tests and exams a physician may use to help diagnose Athletic Pubalgia include:

• Physical examination: During a physical examination, the physician usually feels the groin area to see if the individual has any tenderness. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray of the groin: X-rays are the most common imaging methods that can help determine if an individual has Athletic Pubalgia
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the groin: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields to produce clearer images of the groin area. This can also help determine if an individual has the condition
• Bone scan: A bone scan is a diagnostic method used to identify any bone abnormalities by injecting tiny amounts of radioactive material into the bloodstream. Occasionally, physicians may order this scan to help rule out other potential causes for pain

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Athletic Pubalgia?

The possible complications of an Athletic Pubalgia may include:

• Prolonged and chronic pain
• Development of inguinal hernia

How is Athletic Pubalgia Treated?

Frequently, Athletic Pubalgia can be treated initially with nonsurgical interventions. However, surgery is recommended if the pain does not improve.

Nonsurgical treatment methods for Athletic Pubalgia may include:

• Any activity that further aggravates the condition should be avoided. The physician usually recommends refraining from all such activities, until the symptom’s get better
• Applying ice to the groin area can help reduce pain and swelling
• Compression using wraps or elastic bandages may be used if an individual has a bulge in the groin. This can help reduce pain and swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be used to treat Athletic Pubalgia. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
• Physical therapy can help decrease symptoms and allow an individual to return to sports activities

Surgical treatment methods for Athletic Pubalgia may include:

• Laparoscopy for Athletic Pubalgia: Laparoscopy is performed with several small cuts rather than a large cut. A fiber optic tube with a camera is inserted into the abdomen, which enables the surgeon to use special instruments to repair the soft tissue (synthetic mesh is usually used with these surgery types)
• In addition to a laparoscopic procedure, an open surgical repair can also be used to treat Athletic Pubalgia

However, a majority of physicians believe that surgery should be only used, if all other conservative methods are unsuccessful in relieving the pain.

How can Athletic Pubalgia be Prevented?

A few recommendations to help prevent Athletic Pubalgia include:

• Individuals suffering from obesity should try and reduce their body weight to reduce the risk
• Individuals, especially sportspersons, should perform exercises that strengthen the abdominal, core muscles, and hip adductor muscle
• Avoid increasing the intensity and duration of exercises too quickly

What is the Prognosis of Athletic Pubalgia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• If diagnosed and treated properly, the prognosis of Athletic Pubalgia is typically good
• In many cases, 4 to 6 weeks of physical therapy treatment can help relieve any pain and allow an individual to return to (or continue) sports activities. However, if the pain recurs after resuming the physical/sports activities, a surgery is usually recommended
• Over 90% individuals who are treated for Athletic Pubalgia non-surgically, and then surgically, can resume participation in sports
• In some cases, in individuals who resume sports participation, the injury may recur, necessitating surgical treatment again

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Athletic Pubalgia:

• The term Sports Hernia is frequently used among the general public to refer to Athletic Pubalgia. However, the medical community prefers to identify this type of abdominal/groin injury with the term Athletic Pubalgia
• Athletic Pubalgia is an injury that is commonly misdiagnosed as an inguinal hernia. Nevertheless, the surgical method used for both the condition is similar