Hip and Core Muscle Injuries in Soccer

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Athletic Training

Background:

• Soccer is globally popular, ranking fourth in sports injury incidence.
• Hip and groin injuries constitute 14% of soccer-related injuries, often presenting diagnostic challenges.
• Groin pain classification includes adductor-related, iliopsoas-related, inguinal-related (sports hernias/athletic pubalgia), and pubic-related categories, alongside hip-related issues and other causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification and treatment of hip and groin injuries in soccer.
• To emphasize the importance of identifying concurrent hip and inguinal issues for successful return to sport.
• To discuss the role of conservative and operative interventions and the need for further research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current understanding of soccer-related hip and groin injuries.
• Categorization of groin pain into distinct clinical entities.
• Analysis of treatment outcomes, including conservative and surgical approaches.

Main Results:

• Conservative treatment is often the initial approach for groin pain.
• Operative intervention shows higher return-to-sport rates for hip-related and inguinal-related injuries.
• Failure to address concurrent hip and inguinal conditions can impede an athlete's return to play.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, addressing both hip and inguinal components, are vital for soccer players with groin pain.
• Preseason screening can identify at-risk athletes for targeted prevention.
• Further research into exercise therapy, early surgery, and biologic interventions is warranted for effective groin injury prevention.