Groin Pain and Injuries: Evaluation and Management

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Groin pain is a prevalent symptom with diverse origins, including musculoskeletal, hernia, and genitourinary conditions.
• Accurate diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms and the need to differentiate causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a systematic physical examination approach for diagnosing the common causes of groin pain.
• To guide appropriate diagnostic imaging and initial management strategies based on clinical findings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic physical examination focusing on adductor, pubic, inguinal, and iliopsoas structures.
• Utilizing diagnostic imaging such as MRI, dynamic ultrasonography, and radiography based on suspected etiology.
• Reviewing current literature and clinical guidelines for groin pain management.

Main Results:

• Adductor-related pain may require pelvic MRI if diagnosis is unclear or conservative treatment fails.
• Inguinal pain necessitates dynamic ultrasonography to assess for hernias or abdominal wall weakness.
• Physical therapy is the primary treatment for adductor, pubic, and uncomplicated inguinal groin pain.

Conclusions:

• A structured physical exam is crucial for effective groin pain diagnosis.
• Targeted imaging and conservative management, particularly physical therapy, form the cornerstone of treatment for most common groin pain etiologies.