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Review
. 2024 Sep 4;16(9):e68625.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.68625. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Athletes With Adductor-Related Groin Pain: A Narrative Review

João Dinis  1 , José Ricardo Oliveira  1 , Bárbara Choupina  1 , Pedro Seabra Marques  1 , David Sá  1 , Andre Sarmento  1
Affiliations
Review

Athletes With Adductor-Related Groin Pain: A Narrative Review

João Dinis et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Adductor-related groin pain is extremely common among athletes, and despite its high prevalence and impact, there is no consensus regarding taxonomy, anatomy, physiopathology, or treatment. We performed a comprehensive literature review and tried to demystify this pathology and its treatment. The Doha agreement classification and its impact are scrutinized as well as the complexity of the proximal adductor longus (AL) insertion and its relationship with the pyramidalis-anterior pubic ligament-AL complex. The stress-shielding and compression theories for the origin of AL tendon pathology are exploited along with how this knowledge translates into injury prevention protocols and surgical techniques. The importance of active rehabilitation protocols and intersegmental control-focused programs is highlighted. The role of an enthesis injection in the treatment algorithm is discussed along with when to perform a tenotomy. The differences between selective and complete tenotomy are highlighted.

Keywords: adductor tendinopathy; adductor-related groin pain; core muscle injury; groin tendon injury; pubalgia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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