Ultrasonography of chronic tendon injuries in the groin

Muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography are common in symptomatic hip dysplasia

INTRODUCTION

Hip dysplasia is characterized by reduced acetabular coverage of the femoral head leading to an increased mechanical load on the hip joint and the acting hip muscles. Potentially, the muscles and tendons functioning close to the hip joint may present with overuse-related ultrasonography findings. The primary aim was to report the prevalence of muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography in 100 patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia. The secondary aim was to investigate correlations between muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography and clinically identified pain related to muscles and tendons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred patients (17 men) with a mean age of 29 ± 9 years were included. Muscle-tendon-related abnormalities were detected with a standardized ultrasound examination. Correlations between muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography and clinically identified pain related to muscles and tendons were tested with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The most prevalent ultrasonography findings were identified in the iliopsoas tendon [50% (95% CI 40; 60)], the adductor longus tendon [31% (95% 22; 40)] and the gluteus medius/minimus tendons [27% (18; 36)]. Significant correlations between ultrasonography findings and pain related to muscles and tendons were only found for the iliopsoas tendon (ρ = 0.24 and p = 0.02) and the gluteus medius/minimus tendons (ρ = 0.35 and p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle-tendon-related abnormalities detected by ultrasonography in the hip and groin region are common in patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia, and the ultrasonography findings of the iliopsoas and gluteus medius/minimus tendons are weakly to moderately correlated to pain related to muscles and tendons in these structures. Both the iliopsoas and the gluteus medius/minimus have a pronounced stabilizing role in the dysplastic hip joint, and the common muscle-tendon-related abnormalities in these patients may be caused by injuries related to excessive use or degenerative changes in the muscle-tendon tissue.

Posterior symphyseal spurs--an unusual differential diagnosis in athletes with groin pain

We set out to highlight the significance of posterior symphyseal spurs as an unusual diagnostic possibility in athletes with chronic groin pain and to demonstrate that operative resection was successful in quickly and safely returning the patients to sporting activities. Five competitive nonprofessional male athletes, three soccer players, and two marathon runners (median age: 30 [26/33] years), who presented to us with significant groin and central pubic pain with duration of at least 12 months, and who had failed conservative or surgical interventions (symphyseal plating), were evaluated. Physical examination as well as pelvic radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of posterior symphyseal spurs. Four out of five athletes underwent complete resection of the spur. Size of spurs was 2.2 (1.3/2.9) cm (median) with four of them posterosuperiorly and one posterocentrally located. All of them had uneventful postoperative recovery period and were still pain-free at the latest follow up after 26.6 months (24/30). Median time-to-return to competitive sports level was 10 weeks (8/13). None of the patients developed pubic instability due to symphyseal spur resection. The results of considerable postoperative improvement in our patients highlight the significance of posterior symphyseal spurs as a diagnostic possibility in athletes with chronic groin pain.

Review of sport-induced groin injuries

CONTEXT

Groin injuries are among the most common injuries co-existing with sports. The aim of this review was to outline the epidemiology and identify risk factors, as well as examine preventative and interventional measures for reducing the occurrence of this form of injury among athletes.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

An electronic, systematic search for relevant keywords, either separately or in combination was sought in the academic scientific databases.

RESULTS

Groin injuries, acute or chronic, consist of a high percentage of injuries that manifest with pain. Despite the specific tendency for injury among some sports, such injuries make up 2-5% of sport-induced injuries. There are few available reports on lower limb injuries, especially groin injuries, in Iran. Numerous factors predispose to groin injuries. A lengthy list of preventive/ treatment measures, from preliminary to sophisticated, have been proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although using a programmed strategy designed to decrease the risk of groin injuries by taking a strategic approach to exercise may alleviate complications, in some cases the chronic nature of the injury may threaten the professional life of the athlete. More research is required to plan suitable programs for reducing the risk of this type of injury in athletes.

Mechanisms of increased passive compliance of hamstring muscle-tendon units after spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND

People with spinal cord injury sometimes develop abnormally compliant hamstring muscle-tendon units. This study investigated whether the increased muscle-tendon compliance is due to a change in the passive properties of the muscle fascicles or tendons, or to muscle tears.

METHODS

Semimembranosus muscle fascicle lengths were measured from ultrasound images obtained from 15 spinal cord injured subjects and 20 control subjects while the hip was passively flexed with the knee extended. Semimembranosus muscles of spinal cord injured subjects were inspected for tears using ultrasound imaging.

FINDINGS

The mean (SD) hip angle at 30 Nm was 97 (SD 24) degrees in spinal cord injured subjects and 70 (SD 11) degrees in control subjects, indicating that spinal cord injured subjects had very compliant hamstring muscle-tendon units. The ratio of change in fascicle length to change in muscle-tendon length was not statistically different between spinal cord injured subjects and control subjects: muscle fascicles lengthened by 0.30 (SD 0.24) mm/mm in spinal cord injured subjects and 0.42 (SD 0.29) mm/mm in control subjects. These data were used to show that there was evidence of increased tendon compliance of spinal cord injured subjects compared to control subjects, but no evidence of increased muscle fascicle compliance. No tears were observed in semimembranosus muscles of spinal cord injured subjects.

INTERPRETATION

The increased hamstring muscle-tendon compliance apparent in some spinal cord injured subjects is due, at least in part, to increased tendon compliance. There was no evidence that the increased muscle-tendon compliance was due to muscle tears.

MR imaging and ultrasound correlation of hip pathologic conditions

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become the workhorse in the imaging evaluation of the painful or clinically abnormal hip. It provides an excellent anatomic overview and demonstration of the bony structures, articular surfaces, and surrounding soft tissues. Conversely, sonography can also demonstrate superficial intraarticular structures and the periarticular soft tissues, is quickly performed, allows dynamic evaluation of tendons and muscles, and can guide percutaneous procedures. These two modalities are complementary, and this article concentrates on the MR imaging-sonographic correlations of several entities about the hip.

Surgical management of sportsman's hernia in professional soccer players

Soccer players frequently experience acute and chronic groin pain. Sportsman's hernia is a common injury in professional soccer players, that causes inguinal pain. The authors discuss their experience with the management of sportsman's hernia in professional soccer players competing in national and international competition in a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Between March 2004 and December 2009, seventy-one professional soccer players were surgically treated for sportsman's hernia. Average age at surgery was 24 years, and average duration of symptoms from onset to surgical repair was 11 months. Conservative treatment improved symptoms temporarily or to some extent in 18 athletes. All athletes underwent a bilateral open hernia repair with concurrent adductor tendon release. Average follow-up was 4 years, and average time to return to competitive sport was 4 months. At final follow-up, 95% of soccer players were still active, 48 at the same level and 19 at a lower level. Four athletes had stopped their careers because of another injury (n=2) or recurrence (n=2). Sportsman's hernia is a potentially career-ending injury in professional soccer players. Conservative management is often unsuccessful. An open surgical hernia repair combined with an adductor longus tenotomy relieves the symptoms caused by a sportsman's hernia and restores activity in 95% of athletes. This study offers insight into the management of sportsman's hernia and offers a successful treatment to salvage the careers of professional soccer players.

The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in gluteal tendon tears--a systematic review

Gluteal tendon tears are one of the many pathologies causing pain around the greater trochanter that are often labelled as trochanteric bursitis. We systematically reviewed the peer-reviewed literature to establish the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of gluteal tendon tears in patients with persistent lateral hip pain or Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). 7 studies met the inclusion criteria, comparing either imaging modality with a reference standard of surgical findings. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality using the QUADAS checklist. MRI had sensitivity of 33-100%, specificity of 92-100%, positive predictive value of 71-100% and negative predictive value of 50%. False-positives were common. High signal located superior to the trochanter had a stronger association with tears. Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 79-100% and positive predictive value of 95-100%. The amount and quality of literature on the subject is limited and further well-designed studies are required to establish the optimum diagnostic strategy in this condition. Ultrasonography may prove to be the investigation of choice, despite requiring a skilled practitioner. The orthopaedic surgeon should liaise with an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist to best investigate and diagnose gluteal tendon tears in the clinical picture of GTPS.

Athletes Hernia—A True, Early Direct Inguinal Hernia: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Surgical Treatment

Athlete's hernia (AH) is an activity limiting condition that presents as chronic inguinal pain in elite athletes. The diagnosis involves a thorough history and physical examination and can be aided by ultrasound interrogation of the groin. Operative treatment with a direct tissue repair of the inguinal floor successfully alleviates symptoms and allows for full return to activity. A retrospective analysis of patients with the diagnosis of AH from January 1998 to May 2010 who underwent operative repair was reviewed. Patients were evaluated based on age, gender, sport, time to presentation, subjective and objective physical findings, imaging findings, operative findings, length of follow-up, and return to activity. Ninety-six patients (6 females) with a median age of 22.6 years were evaluated. In the majority of these patients, operative exploration revealed a wide external ring with separation of the fibers of the external oblique aponeurosis and an unprotected and bulging transverses abdominis aponeurosis, very akin to an early direct inguinal hernia. The mean initial follow-up time was 6 weeks at which point all but two of the patients were able to resume their full level of activity without restrictions. The diagnosis of AH, although somewhat elusive, can be easily established with a high degree of suspicion after doing a thorough history and physical exam augmented with ultrasonography. AH is equivalent to an early direct inguinal hernia found in young athletes and can be surgically corrected allowing return to full activity.

Imaging of groin pain

Groin pain is a commonly encountered problem in musculoskeletal radiology. The diagnosis can be difficult to establish, based on the complex interconnected anatomy at the pubic symphysis and surrounding structures. The differential diagnosis is therefore broad, and diagnostic imaging is crucial in reaching the correct diagnosis, thus allowing appropriate therapy to be instituted. This article reviews the relevant anatomy and differential diagnoses encountered in overuse injuries of the groin. The common mechanisms of injury, presenting symptoms, and imaging findings for each diagnosis are addressed.

Adductor-related groin pain in recreational athletes: role of the adductor enthesis, magnetic resonance imaging, and entheseal pubic cleft injections

BACKGROUND

Adductor dysfunction can cause groin pain in athletes and may emanate from the adductor enthesis. Adductor enthesopathy may be visualized with magnetic resonance imaging and may be treated with entheseal pubic cleft injections. We have previously reported that pubic cleft injections can provide predictable pain relief at one year in competitive athletes who have no evidence of enthesopathy on magnetic resonance imaging and immediate relief only in patients with findings of enthesopathy on magnetic resonance imaging. In this follow-up study, we attempted to determine if the same holds true for recreational athletes.

METHODS

We reviewed a consecutive case series of twenty-eight recreational athletes who had presented to our sports medicine clinic with groin pain secondary to adductor longus dysfunction. A period of conservative treatment had failed for all of these athletes. The adductor longus origin was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging for the presence or absence of enthesopathy. All patients were treated with a single pubic cleft injection of a local anesthetic and corticosteroid into the adductor enthesis. The patients were assessed for recurrence of symptoms at one year after treatment.

RESULTS

On clinical reassessment five minutes after the injection, all twenty-eight athletes reported resolution of the groin pain. Fifteen patients (Group 1) had no evidence of enthesopathy on magnetic resonance imaging, and thirteen patients (Group 2) had findings of enthesopathy on magnetic resonance imaging. At one year after the injection, five of the fifteen patients in Group 1 had experienced a recurrence; these recurrences were noted at a mean of fourteen weeks (range, seven to twenty weeks) after the injection. Four of the thirteen patients in Group 2 had experienced a recurrence of the symptoms at one year, and these recurrences were noted at a mean of eight weeks (range, two to nineteen weeks) after the injection. Overall, nineteen (68%) of the twenty-eight athletes had a good result following the injection. Of the remaining nine athletes, two were treated successfully with repeat injection; therefore, overall, twenty-one (75%) of the twenty-eight athletes had a good result after entheseal pubic cleft injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Most recreational athletes with adductor enthesopathy have pain relief at one year after entheseal pubic cleft injection, regardless of the findings on magnetic resonance imaging. There were similarities between this group of recreational athletes and the competitive athletes in our previous study, in that the adductor enthesis was the source of pain and entheseal pubic cleft injection was a valuable treatment option. The main difference was that, in this group of recreational athletes, magnetic resonance imaging evidence of adductor enthesopathy did not correlate with the outcome of the injection.

Imaging review of groin pain in elite athletes: an anatomic approach to imaging findings

OBJECTIVE

Groin pain in elite athletes is a common yet challenging diagnostic and management dilemma for the sports clinician, accounting for a significant proportion of athletic injuries. It is often debilitating and, if severe enough, may compromise an athlete's career. Traditionally, groin pain has been poorly understood by radiologists.

CONCLUSION

A major reason groin pain has been misunderstood is the complexity of the anatomy of this region, which this article discusses in detail in an effort to inform the reader.

Diagnostics in athletes with long-standing groin pain

Chronic adductor dysfunction, osteitis pubis and abdominal wall deficiency are mentioned as pathologies explaining long-standing groin pain (LGP) in athletes. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of diagnostic tests used to identify these pathologies in athletic OKE. Additionally, starting points for intervention were searched for. A systematic literature search was performed to retrieve all relevant diagnostic studies and studies describing risk factors. The methodological quality of the identified studies was evaluated. Seventeen studies provided an insight into pathologies; eight provided relevant information for intervention. Adduction provocation tests are moderately valid for osteitis pubis. A pelvic belt might provide some insight into the role of the pubic symphysis during adduction provocation. Palpation can be used for provocation of adductors and symphysis. Roentgen, bone scan and herniography show poor validity. Bilateral abdominal abnormalities on ultrasound appear to be a valid marker for LGP. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize edema and other abnormalities, although the relation to groin pain is not unambiguous. The methodological quality of the studies ranged from poor to good. MRI and ultrasound should be the primary diagnostic tools after clinical examination.

Analysis of the cross-sectional area of the adductor longus tendon: a descriptive anatomic study

BACKGROUND

Strain injury to the adductor longus muscle is a common cause of groin pain in athletes and generally occurs in the proximal portion of the muscle, near its origin from the anterior aspect of the pubis. The composition and cross-sectional anatomy of this muscle's origin has not been previously described.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesize that the adductor longus muscle origin is composed mainly of muscle fibers and that the tendon composes only a small part of the cross section at the origin of the muscle.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

We harvested 42 adductor longus muscles from 28 cadavers and measured the cross-sectional dimensions of the tendon with microcalipers. Next, we determined the relative contributions of the tendon and muscle fibers to the cross-sectional anatomy of the muscle using optical scanning. These 2 sets of measurements were obtained at 3 locations: at the muscle origin and 1.0 and 2.0 cm distal to the origin.

RESULTS

The average length and width of the tendon was 11.6 and 3.7 mm, respectively, at the origin. The average cross-sectional areas of the tendon were 49.3, 27.9, and 25.7 mm(2) at points 0.0, 1.0, and 2.0 cm from its origin, respectively. The origin of the adductor longus muscle was composed of 37.9% tendon and 62.1% muscle tissue. At 1.0 cm from the origin, the percentage of tendon decreased to 34%. At 2.0 cm from the origin, the tendon composed 26.7% of the cross section.

CONCLUSION

The cross-sectional area of the tendon of the adductor longus muscle is relatively small. The muscle origin is composed predominantly of direct attachment of muscle fibers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Knowledge of the cross-sectional anatomy of the adductor longus muscle at its origin may help clinicians better understand the complex nature of injuries in this area.

Outcome of conservative management of athletic chronic groin injury diagnosed as pubic bone stress injury

BACKGROUND

Little data exist on the results of treatment for sports-related chronic groin injury.

HYPOTHESIS

Sports-related chronic groin injury treated with a conservative (rest) program results in a satisfactory outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Professional Australian male football players, at the end of the playing season, had their groin injury diagnosed using specific clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria. Those assessed as having a non-hip-related cause for their chronic groin injury were treated principally by 12 weeks of complete rest from active weightbearing activities. Response to treatment was assessed at different stages of rehabilitation by recording the number of athletes who had returned to playing football and the number of athletes without symptoms.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven athletes were considered to have chronic groin injury. Clinical and MRI (pubic bone marrow edema N = 26 [96%]), hyperintense line N = 25 [93%]) criteria suggested a pubic bone stress injury as diagnosis for the chronic groin injury. Eighty-nine percent of athletes returned to sport in the subsequent playing season, with 100% having returned by the second playing season after diagnosis. Forty-one percent of the athletes were without symptoms at the commencement of the following playing season, rising to 67% by the end of that playing season.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative management of athletic chronic groin injury resulted in an excellent outcome when assessed by the return to sport criterion. However, the results were only satisfactory if the criterion of ongoing symptoms after treatment was used. More research is needed to compare the efficacy of all treatments that are used in this troublesome condition.

Ultrasonography of the lower extremity

Ultrasonography is a useful imaging tool for various soft tissue and joint pathologies affecting the lower extremity. This article reviews the normal sonographic appearance of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bone, and cartilage. The ultrasound imaging appearance of various pathologic conditions affecting the hip, thigh, knee, lower leg, ankle,and foot are illustrated. The advantages of ultrasonography are highlighted.

Abnormalities in and Around the Hip: MR Imaging Versus Sonography

Sonography and MR imaging should be considered complementary rather than competing modalities. They demonstrate similar abnormalities of the soft tissues, but MR imaging is able to demonstrate intraosseous and articular abnormalities and offers a better anatomic overview because of its larger field of view, whereas sonography offers dynamic evaluation and can provide real-time guidance for percutaneous procedures. Both of these modalities have roles in the imaging evaluation of injuries in and around the hip.

Totally extraperitoneal endoscopic (TEP) treatment of sportsman's hernia

Sportsman's hernia is a term used to describe a weakness or disruption of is a term used to describe the musculotendinous part of the posterior inguinal wall, which causes persistent groin pain in athletes. A video-assisted placement of extraperitoneal synthetic mesh to support the damaged area may heal this injury. Forty-one male athletes at an elite level (mean age 27 +/- 7.1 years) with chronic groin pain, which was resistant to conservative therapy, were referred to surgery by sports clinics or club doctors. The majority of the patients were soccer (58%) or ice hockey players (27%) at a professional level. A 10 x 15 cm polypropylene mesh was placed into the preperitoneal space using a totally extraperitoneal video-assisted technique. The severity of pain, and the time to return to sports, were determined after 1 month and after the mean follow-up of 4 years. On operation, no macroscopic abnormality was found in 24 patients (58%), obvious musculotendinous tear was present in 10 patients, and muscle asymmetry was present in 7 patients. All except 2 patients (95%) returned to their sport activities after 1 month of convalescence. No immediate or long-term complications were associated with the operation. The placement of a retropubic mesh was safe and a mini-invasive method to repair sportsman's hernia and chronic groin pain of athletes.

Adductor-related groin pain in athletes: correlation of MR imaging with clinical findings

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging in athletes with chronic groin pain and correlate with the clinical features.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

MR examinations performed in 52 athletes (51 male, 1 female; median age 26 years) with chronic groin pain and 6 asymptomatic control athletes (6 male; median age 29 years) were independently reviewed by two radiologists masked to the clinical details. Symptom duration (median 6 months) and clinical side of severity were recorded. Anatomical areas in the pelvis were scored for abnormality (as normal, mildly abnormal or abnormal) and an overall assessment for side distribution of abnormality was recorded, initially without post-gadolinium sequences and then, 3 weeks later (median 29 days), the post-gadolinium sequences only. Correlation between radiological and clinical abnormality was calculated by Spearman's correlation.

RESULTS

Abnormal anterior pubis and enthesis enhancement significantly correlated with clinical side for both radiologists (both P=0.008). Abnormal anterior pubis and adductor longus enthesis oedema was significant for one radiologist ( P=0.009). All other features showed no significant correlation ( P>0.05). In the control cases there was no soft tissue abnormality but symphyseal irregularity was present ( n=2). For both radiologists assessment of imaging side severity significantly correlated with clinical side for post-gadolinium ( P=0.048 and P=0.023) but not non-gadolinium sequences ( P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The extent and side of anterior pubis and adductor longus enthesis abnormality on MR imaging significantly and reproducibly correlates with the athletes' current symptoms in chronic adductor-related groin pain.

[Paragliding-associated bilateral partial rupture of the rectus femoris muscle]

Pain in the thigh or groin due to a rupture of the rectus femoris muscle is rather uncommon. We report on a patient with a bilateral rupture of the rectus femoris muscle that occurred due to a landing maneuver while para-gliding. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound and MRI. Additionally, an old unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture was present. As a functional deficit of the quadriceps muscle could not be observed, a primarily conservative treatment seems to be appropriate.

Incidence of pubic bone marrow oedema in Australian rules football players: relation to groin pain

OBJECTIVES

To examine the relation between the clinical features of groin pain and groin magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances in a group largely comprising elite Australian Rules football players. The incidence of bone marrow oedema and other MRI findings in the pubic symphysis region was noted. The relation between a past history of groin pain and these other MRI findings was also examined.

METHOD

In a prospective study, 116 male subjects (89 footballers, 17 umpires, 10 sedentary men) were examined before history taking and groin MRI. The clinical history was not known to the examiner (GMV) and radiologists (JPS, GTF). Clinical evidence of groin pain and examination findings were correlated with the presence of increased signal intensity within the pubic bone marrow. A past history of groin pain was correlated with the presence of other MRI findings such as cyst formation, fluid signal within the pubic symphysis disc, and irregularity of the pubic symphysis.

RESULTS

Fifty two athletes (47 footballers, five umpires) had clinical features of groin pain with pubic symphysis and/or superior pubic ramus tenderness. A high incidence of increased signal intensity (77%) within the pubic bone marrow was identified in this group. There was an association between this group of athletes and the MRI finding of increased signal intensity (p<0.01). There was also an association between a past history of groin pain and the presence of other MRI findings (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Athletes with groin pain and tenderness of the pubic symphysis and/or superior pubic ramus have clinical features consistent with the diagnosis of osteitis pubis. The increased signal intensity seen on MRI is due to pubic bone marrow oedema. An association exists between the clinical features of osteitis pubis and the MRI finding of pubic bone marrow oedema. A high incidence of pubic bone marrow oedema was also noted. Degenerative features visualised by MRI, such as subchondral cyst formation, were associated with a past history of groin pain. A stress injury to the pubic bone is the most likely explanation for these MRI findings and may be the cause of the clinical entity osteitis pubis.

Ultrasound of the adult hip

The adult hip is a new and challenging site for evaluation with ultrasound (US). Clinically, diseases involving the hip region may be difficult to diagnose without the help of imaging. The hip region is a crossroad for numerous vascular, nervous, and muscular structures that pass between the trunk and the lower extremity. Thus, inflammatory processes and neoplasms may spread to and from the hip, buttock, thigh, pelvis, and retroperitoneum, and trauma may also effect the adjacent areas of the trunk and thigh. Because it is a crossroad, many conditions that are not specific to the hip occur in this area, including inguinal lymphadenopathy, pathology from the abdomen or the genitalia (intestinal hernia, inflammation, and infection), and even referred pain from spinal disorders. The goals of US imaging are the detection and localization of these pathological processes, the differentiation of intra-articular andextra-articular pathology, and the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic interventional procedures. This article reviews the hip anatomy, followed up by a discussion of the US evaluation and differential diagnosis of common pathology occurring in the hip area. This includes joint effusion, arthritis, loose bodies, bursitis, pseudoaneurysm, muscle and tendon diseases, as well as tumor and tumor-like lesions such as hematoma, abscess, and lymphadenopathy.

Sportsman's hernia

BACKGROUND

Sportsman's hernia is a debilitating condition which presents as chronic groin pain. A tear occurs at the external oblique which may result in an occult hernia. The definition, investigation and treatment of this condition remain unclear.

METHODS

A systematic Medline search was performed and all literature pertaining to chronic groin pain, groin injury, sportsman's hernia and sportsman's groin from 1962 to 1999 was retrieved for analysis.

RESULTS

The costs of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are such that their routine use for assessment of patients with groin pain cannot be justified. They may, however, be employed in difficult cases to help define the anatomical extent of a groin injury. Plain radiography, ultrasonography and scintigraphy should be the usual first-line investigations to supplement clinical assessment. Herniography may help in situations of obscure chronic groin and pelvic pain. There is no consensus view supporting any particular surgical procedure for sportsman's hernia. A number of reports have been published describing different repairs of the posterior inguinal wall deficiency. Appropriate repair of the posterior wall results in therapeutic benefit in selected cases.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of sportsman's hernia is difficult. The condition must be distinguished from the more common osteitis pubis and musculotendinous injuries. Early surgical intervention is usually, although not always, successful when conservative management has failed.

The use, value and safety of herniography

AIMS

To assess the safety, sensitivity and specificity of out-patient herniography when used to diagnose hernias in the presence of a normal or equivocal physical examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed the symptoms, clinical findings, radiological findings, surgical findings and clinical outcome of 112 patients referred for herniography over a 5-year period.

RESULTS

No significant complications were encountered. Thirty hernias were diagnosed. There was one false-positive and one false-negative examination giving herniography a sensitivity of 96.6% and a specificity of 98.4%.

CONCLUSION

Herniography is a sensitive, specific, safe and reliable investigation which should be available to and used by all surgeons who perform hernia repair operations.

The incidence and differential diagnosis of acute groin injuries in male soccer players

This prospective cohort study evaluated the incidence of acute groin injuries and estimated the distribution of differential diagnoses in male soccer players. Two senior male soccer divisions (21 teams, 326 players) were followed for 1 year. Patients with groin injuries were examined clinically as well as by herniography, sonography and by plain x-ray of the pelvic bones. Groin injuries accounted for 8% of all injuries. The incidence of groin injury was 0.8/1000 h of exposure. Thirteen (52%) of the 25 patients were clinically considered to have a muscle/tendon injury. However, when using sonography, muscle/tendon injury was only verified in 1 patient. Clinical suspicion of hernia or incipient hernia was evident in 4 (16%) of the patients, while 14 (56%) had a pathological finding at herniography. Clinical and paraclinical (i.e. diagnostic methods using imaging and other advanced techniques) diagnoses do not correspond very well in acute groin injury.

Effectiveness of active physical training as treatment for long-standing adductor-related groin pain in athletes: randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Groin pain is common among athletes. A major cause of long-standing problems is adductor-related groin pain. The purpose of this randomised clinical trial was to compare an active training programme (AT) with a physiotherapy treatment without active training (PT) in the treatment of adductor-related groin pain in athletes.

METHODS

68 athletes with long-standing (median 40 weeks) adductor-related groin pain--after examination according to a standardised protocol--were randomly assigned to AT or PT. The treatment period was 8-12 weeks. 4 months after the end of treatment a standardised examination was done. The examining physician was unaware of the treatment allocation. The ultimate outcome measure was full return to sports at the same level without groin pain. Analyses were by intention to treat.

FINDINGS

23 patients in the AT group and four in the PT group returned to sports without groin pain (odds ratio, multiple-logistic-regression analysis, 12.7 [95% CI 3.4-47.2]). The subjective global assessments of the effect of the treatments showed a significant (p=0.006) linear trend towards a better effect in the AT group. A per-protocol analysis did not show appreciably different results.

INTERPRETATION

AT with a programme aimed at improving strength and coordination of the muscles acting on the pelvis, in particular the adductor muscles, is very effective in the treatment of athletes with long-standing adductor-related groin pain. The potential preventive value of a short programme based upon the principles of AT should be assessed in future, randomised, clinical trials.

Groin pain associated with ultrasound finding of inguinal canal posterior wall deficiency in Australian Rules footballers

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of inguinal canal posterior wall deficiency (sports hernia) in professional Australian Rules footballers using an ultrasound technique and correlate the results with the clinical symptom of groin pain.

METHODS

Thirty five professional Australian footballers with and without groin pain were investigated blind with a dynamic high resolution ultrasound technique for presence of posterior wall deficiency.

RESULTS

Fourteen players had a history of significant recent groin pain and ten of these were found to have bilateral inguinal canal posterior wall deficiency (p < 0.01). The relative risk for a history of groin pain with bilateral deficiency was 8.0 (95% confidence interval 1.73 to 37.1). Groin pain was also found to be associated with increasing age (p < 0.01) which was an independent risk factor. Surgical, clinical, and ultrasound follow up for players who underwent hernia repair confirmed the validity of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic ultrasound examination is able to detect inguinal canal posterior wall deficiency in young males with no clinical signs of hernia. This condition is very prevalent in professional Australian Rules footballers, including some who are asymptomatic. There was a correlation between bilateral deficiency and groin pain, although the temporal relationship between the clinical and ultrasound findings is not established by the current study. Ultrasound shows promise as a diagnostic tool in athletes with chronic groin pain who are considered possible candidates for hernia repair.

Laparoscopic and conventional repair of groin disruption in sportsmen

BACKGROUND

Musculotendinous groin disruption is common in professional sportsmen. Diagnosis is difficult and management complicated by strong desires for early return to sporting activity. The possible role of laparoscopic repair in promoting early recovery was examined.

METHODS

A series of patients with persistent pain that prevented sport for more than 3 months were treated surgically. Thirty repairs were performed on 28 players, 18 professional and nine amateur. Seventeen injuries were sustained playing rugby league, seven association football and four other sports. There were 14 conventional repairs (11 Lichtenstein) and 14 laparoscopic (two bilateral). All patients were discharged within 24 h.

RESULTS

No player complained of severe postoperative pain. Seven of 14 patients who had laparoscopic repair denied experiencing any pain at all. Training was resumed within 4 weeks for nine of 14 patients who had a conventional repair and 13 of 14 who underwent laparoscopic repair. Full contact training restarted at a median 5 (range 1-6) weeks for conventional and 3 (range 1-9) weeks for laparoscopic repair (P < 0.05). Two players had persistent neuralgia after laparoscopic repair which settled by 2 months. One player had recurrent pain 5 months after laparoscopic repair, and one had a recurrent hernia 22 months after conventional repair. There were no wound problems.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic repair appears as effective as conventional repair for sporting injuries, and merits further evaluation as a technique to permit early return to activity.

Laparoscopic and conventional repair of groin disruption in sportsmen

BACKGROUND

Musculotendinous groin disruption is common in professional sportsmen. Diagnosis is difficult and management complicated by strong desires for early return to sporting activity. The possible role of laparoscopic repair in promoting early recovery was examined.

METHODS

A series of patients with persistent pain that prevented sport for more than 3 months were treated surgically. Thirty repairs were performed on 28 players, 18 professional and nine amateur. Seventeen injuries were sustained playing rugby league, seven association football and four other sports. There were 14 conventional repairs (11 Lichtenstein) and 14 laparoscopic (two bilateral). All patients were discharged within 24 h.

RESULTS

No player complained of severe postoperative pain. Seven of 14 patients who had laparoscopic repair denied experiencing any pain at all. Training was resumed within 4 weeks for nine of 14 patients who had a conventional repair and 13 of 14 who underwent laparoscopic repair. Full contact training restarted at a median 5 (range 1-6) weeks for conventional and 3 (range 1-9) weeks for laparoscopic repair (P < 0.05). Two players had persistent neuralgia after laparoscopic repair which settled by 2 months. One player had recurrent pain 5 months after laparoscopic repair, and one had a recurrent hernia 22 months after conventional repair. There were no wound problems.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic repair appears as effective as conventional repair for sporting injuries, and merits further evaluation as a technique to permit early return to activity.

Managing Groin Pain

In brief The cause of groin pain, common in kicking sports, is obvious when a patient suffers an acute muscle strain. However, a case study involving a 16-year-old male high school athlete demonstrates how gradual-onset groin pain can open up a multitude of orthopedic and nonorthopedic diagnostic possibilities including avulsion fracture, osteitis pubis, and inguinal hernia. Muscle strains usually resolve with RICE therapy and a focused rehabilitation program. Conservative treatment is also appropriate in the initial workup of inguinal canal weakness. Surgery may be needed to repair severely torn muscles or to correct an inguinal canal defect.

Common rugby league injuries. Recommendations for treatment and preventative measures

Rugby league is the main professional team sport played in Eastern Australia. It is also very popular at a junior and amateur level. However, injuries are common because of the amount of body contact that occurs and the amount of running that is required to participate in the game. Injuries to the lower limbs account for over 50% of all injuries. The most common specific injuries are ankle lateral ligament tears, knee medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligament tears, groin musculotendinous tears, hamstring and calf muscle tears, and quadriceps muscle contusions. Head injuries are common and consist of varying degrees of concussion as well as lacerations and facial fractures. Serious head injury is rare. Some of the more common upper limb injuries are to the acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joints. Accurate diagnosis of these common injuries using appropriate history, examination and investigations is critical in organising a treatment and rehabilitation plan that will return the player to competition as soon as possible. An understanding of the mechanism of injury is also important in order to develop preventative strategies.