Epidemiological Analysis of 245 Patients with Athletic Pubalgia

Objective To analyze the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of pubalgia in athletes and to define the epidemiological profile of patients complaining of lower abdomen and groin pain at a specialized center. Methodology  We conducted a retrospective study based on a case series to evaluate the epidemiological profile of 245 athletes with pubalgia reported in their medical records from October 2015 to February 2018. The selected sample underwent a clinical evaluation, and the results were recorded through the application of a questionnaire. Results  The sample consisted of 245 patients aged between 14 and 75 years. Soccer and running were the most prevalent sports. Most subjects (58%) trained or played sports 3 or more days a week. After evaluating specific sports movements, symptoms worsened in 24% of the patients when changing direction; in 23%, when kicking; in 22%, during sprints and speed training; in 17%, during long runs; and in 14%, when jumping. Pain during intercourse was reported by 13% of the patients. For most subjects (80%), the inguinal region, the adductor muscles, and the pubis (midline) were the main pain sites. The tests involving adductor contraction against resistance with an extended knee was positive in 77.6% of the patients, and the one involving simultaneous hip and abdomen flexion against resistance was positive in 76.7% of the sample. Conclusion  The present study has demonstrated the predominance of pubalgia in male patients who play soccer and practice running. In most cases (80%), pain occurred in the inguinal region, the adductor muscles, and the pubis. Confirmation of the clinical diagnosis took more than six months for most patients.