Inguinal mass in a college football player: a case study

A 22-yr-old male college football player presented with a 3-wk history of a mass in his right inguinal area. Originally thought by the athlete to be a groin strain, evaluation revealed a large indirect inguinal hernia. Surgical evaluation was obtained to confirm the diagnosis of a 4-cm opening at the external inguinal ring. The hernia completely and spontaneously reduced in the supine position. The athlete was successfully allowed to participate with the use of a truss and underwent an uneventful surgical repair at the end of the season. The diagnosis and treatment of inguinal hernias are reviewed.