1. Narrative review of long-standing groin pain in athletes. Retrospective analysis of over 12 000 patients.
- Author
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Santilli O and Santilli H
- Subjects
- Humans, Retrospective Studies, Algorithms, Athletes, Groin, Athletic Injuries therapy, Athletic Injuries complications, Athletic Injuries diagnosis, Tendinopathy therapy
- Abstract
Purpose: This article critically examines long-standing groin pain (LSGP) in physically active adults related to sports overload by analyzing terminology, pathophysiology, and treatment., Method: This review is based on data from over 10,000 patients managed through a multidisciplinary algorithm. (LSGP) has been variably labeled, using terms that have led to inconsistencies in understanding its origin and management. Terms such as "Pubic Inguinal Pain Syndrome," "Sportsman's Groin," and "Athletic Pubalgia" have been proposed to standardize terminology and unify the classification of (LSGP). Pathophysiologically, (LSGP) is often due to tendinopathies affecting major tendons in the groin region, such as the adductors, iliopsoas, conjoint tendon, and inguinal ligament, often associated with weakness in the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. This condition frequently arises in sports involving abrupt directional changes and high-energy loads in the groin. Tendinopathies progress through reactive, reparative, or degenerative stages of tendinosis., Results: Literature supports a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, physiotherapists, sports medicine physicians, and orthopedists for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Our algorithm focuses on both anatomical and functional factors in managing (LSGP). Initial conservative therapies aim to support tendon regeneration and load correction, while surgical interventions, such as laparoscopic hernioplasty, are reserved for non-responsive cases. From 2004 to 2024, 12,144 patients completed this protocol, with only 14% requiring surgery. Long-term follow-up demonstrated a low recurrence rate of tendinopathy and an absence of severe complications., Conclusion: Standardizing terminology, understanding pathophysiology, and utilizing a multidisciplinary approach are essential for optimizing the diagnosis and management of sports-related (LSGP)., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: There was no funding for the trial. The authors have nothing to disclose. Ethical approval: Approval from the institutional review board was not required for this study. Informed consent: All patients have given informed consent to be included in this trial. Human and animal rights Human and animal rights are respected., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature.)
- Published
- 2025
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