Abstract
Sports hernias refer to a group of lesions of the lower abdominal wall and of the muscular and tendon structures of groin canal which are among the causes of the groin pain syndrome. It is a painful disorder that affects predominantly male athletes, common in soccer players and in those who practise other sports that involve sudden changes of direction (ice hockey, rugby). It can represent the end of a sports career. The weakening and tearing of the lower abdominal musculature, in particular of the posterior wall of the groin canal, cause a pain that radiates from the inguinal and pubic region to the scrotum and to the proximal region of the thigh, caused by irritation of the rich local enervation. Manual exploration of the inguinal canal that elicits pain is the cornerstone for diagnosis. The dynamic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are indicated for diagnostic confirmation. Conservative treatment with anti-inflammatory and physical therapy is indicated up to 12 weeks from onset. After this period, if symptoms persist, open repair or laparoscopic surgery is indicated, with the aim to reconstruct the abdominal wall and the inguinal canal structures, in addition, if necessary, to local neurolysis.
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Guglielmi, A. (2017). Sports Hernia: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach. In: Zini, R., Volpi, P., Bisciotti, G. (eds) Groin Pain Syndrome. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41624-3_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41624-3_12
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