Groin Pain in Athletes: A Review of Diagnosis and Management.

INTRODUCTION: Groin pain is a common symptom in athletes, particularly in sports requiring sudden changes in speed and direction and those involving kicking. Despite a high prevalence of groin pain in this patient cohort, the diagnosis and management of the underlying pathological processes remains a challenge for surgeons and radiologists alike.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to review the imaging findings and management of the common pathological processes which produce groin pain in athletes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anatomy of the groin region will be defined as a basis for further discussion. The common pathological processes underlying groin pain such as adductor dysfunction, rectus abdominus injury, osteitis pubis, and femuro-acetabular impingement will then be reviewed and correlating radiological imaging findings presented. Current management options will also be considered.

CONCLUSION: This paper will aid surgeons and radiologists in navigating the challenging diagnostic and management dilemma of groin pain in athletes.