Groin injuries are a common concern among athletes, particularly those involved in sports that require intense physical exertion and rapid directional changes such as soccer or ice hockey.1 While many of these injuries can be managed conservatively, there are instances when surgical intervention becomes necessary.
Understanding Groin Injuries
The groin area is complex, involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Injuries here can range from mild strains to severe tears and can be exacerbated by continued activity. The most common musculoskeletal causes of groin pain in athletes include adductor muscle strains, osteitis pubis, sports hernias, and nerve entrapments.
When is Surgery Considered for Groin Injuries?
Surgery is typically considered in the following conditions:
- Conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and medication fail to alleviate symptoms and restore function.
- Complete tears or avulsion injuries of muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the groin area.
- Significant avulsion fractures, where a piece of bone is pulled away from its attachment site by a tendon or ligament.
Surgical Options
Surgical options for severe groin injuries depend on the underlying cause of the injury. Types of surgical options include Adductor Avulsion Repair with Aponeurotic Plate Repair, Fasciotomy, or Sports Hernia Repair.
Recovery and Outcomes
Post-surgery, athletes undergo a structured rehabilitation program to regain strength and flexibility. With advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive rehabilitation, athletes can often return to their sport at full capacity. Dr. Srino Bharam of the Hip and Groin Center offers advanced care for athletic injuries of the groin to help you and your loved ones determine the best course of action.
AUTHOR: Srino Bharam MD, MBA is a board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeon and professor of orthopedic surgery specializing in the treatment of athletic injuries of the hip and groin. Dr. Bharam has over 30 years of experience in treating injuries and conditions of the hip to restore athletes and patients to an active lifestyle.
2. https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/bmjosem/8/3/e001387.full.pdf
