The diagnosis of groin injuries is primarily clinical but imaging can be helpful. In 2007, the clinical “entity” approach was introduced using standardised reproducible examination methods to identify the anatomical structures causing the groin pain. 4 This approach has proven useful and has been adopted around the world.
Until recently, no formal consensus on diagnostic terminology existed: however, in November 2014, during the first World Conference of Groin Pain in Athletes, an agreement meeting took place to find common grounds for the future terminology in order to enhance both clinical and scientific cooperation for the benefit of the athletes. At the meeting, 24 experts from 14 different countries participated to develop a clinically based taxonomy of groin pain in athletes. 5 A unanimous agreement – the Doha agreement – was reached on the following classification system in which groin pain in athletes is described under three major sub-headings:
- Defined clinical entities for groin pain:
- Adductor-related
- Iliopsoas-related
- Inguinal-related
- Pubic-related groin pain
- Hip-related groin pain
- Other causes of groin pain in athletes
Prevention
There are many preventative measures used to reduce the occurrence of groin injuries such as proper warm routines, regular passive tissue strengthening exercises, good nutrition and progressive training amongst many others.