["Sports hernia" and osteitis pubis in an athlete]

Chronic pain in the groin does not always present itself with a clear-cut cause such as muscle tear, inguinal hernia or a disorder of the hip, pelvis, bowel or urinary organs. In such cases a "sports hernia" can be suspected, i.e. muscular injury due to overexertion of the inguinal region. Accordingly, a hernial protrusion is not in question. In addition, if the pubic bone is tender and inflammatory exudate is seen in the magnetic resonance image, the patient has osteitis pubis, i.e. inflammation of the pubic bone. In the initial stage, methods of treatment comprise rest, stretching, anti-inflammatory medication, injections of local anesthetics and corticosteroids, physical therapy and, in the most difficult cases, surgical operation.