The "Sportsman's Hernia" as possible Cause for Chronic Groin Pain

Chronic groin pain is a widespread and commonly seen problem in- depending oil the sport- up to 20% of active sportsmen. Unclear and even after a short period overlapping, symptoms, a persistant history of discomfort. unsuccessful therapy and thus the increasing impatience of the athlete to specify the problem and its solution often leads to the diagnosis of "athletes hernia" In fact the exact role of in athletes hernia as cause for chronic pain is not yet clear. Literature reveals a wide range of possible anatomical causes and therapies respectively though evidence based studies mostly meet level 3-4b and guidelines concerning diagnostic and therapy are rare. Bilateral asymptomatic or collateral findings as well is the increasing biomechanical knowledge of muscular related problems in 97% of the suffering athletes (e.g. adductor- or iliopsoas related pain) support that the diagnosis of an athletic hernia should he made restrictively, especially because newer data report. front only 1-3% athletic hernias in sportsmen suffering front chronic groin pain. Respecting this knowledge, in cases of chronic groin pain conservative treatment with elimination of muscular insufficiencies or dysbalances should be considered adaequately Though roost clinical case, Control studies report. of satisfying results in up to 90% after surgical treatment. it, is not yet. clear wether these results are the consequence of the operation itself or due to the necessary postoperative pause accompanied by a consequent physiotherapeutical rehabilitation. Therefore. this article aims to summarize the most common current concepts of athletes hernia regarding epidemiology. etiology, pathophysiology, clinical findings and therapy in order to facilitate decision-making in patients with chronic groin pain and especially with a suspected athletes hernia.