Contributors: Scott Levy, Katie Rizzone MD, MPH
Synopsis
A sports hernia (also known as athletic pubalgia) is a clinical diagnosis characterized by persistent groin pain resembling hernia pain but not attributed to abdominal or groin wall damage and, therefore, not considered a true hernia. The pathophysiology is believed to be an imbalance between the adductor muscles in the thigh and the abdominal muscles, leading to areas of weakness within the groin. It has gradual onset, is typically unilateral, and occurs more often in men than women. Sporting activities with repetitive high-speed twisting, bending, and torqueing that can cause damage to the abdominal, thigh, and groin muscles are often implicated, particularly when the patient lacks appropriate preconditioning. Sports hernias are most often reported in ice hockey players, football players, rugby players, soccer players, and sprinters, but they are not uncommon in recreational athletes of any sport.
Codes
ICD10CM:
S39.011A – Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of abdomen, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
285348005 – Strain of abdominal muscle
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential
Last Reviewed:11/08/2020
Last Updated:11/08/2020