Sports hernia-anatomy: What is a sports hernia?

Abstract

Groin injuries are a common problem in elite athletes and may result in a significant loss in playing time. While most groin injuries are muscular strains that heal with conservative treatment measures, a subset of athletes may develop a chronic condition termed sports hernia or athletic pubalgia in which there is chronic exertional lower abdominal or inguinal pain that fails to respond to conservative treatment measures. In this chapter, the normal anatomy of the groin and pubic region is reviewed and the definition of sports hernia and its anatomic basis are discussed. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are also reviewed in detail.