Sports Hernia: The Experience of Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas (Clinical Report‪)‬

Sports hernia is a condition that has been poorly understood by clinicians. Meyers et al have documented the widespread public interest in this entity (1). It is estimated that groin pain occurs in 5% to 28% of athletes (2). As originally described, sports hernia occurred more commonly in hockey and soccer players (3), but it is also seen in all sports for a variety of reasons. Although never proven, one commonly mentioned reason for the condition's frequency is athletes' shorter off-season time to allow for recovery. Our experience has confirmed that of others in showing that many athletes who develop acute and chronic injuries to the lower abdominal muscles, pubic symphysis, and adductor musculature--so-called sports hernias--have greatly benefited from care. Over the past 12 years, we have repaired 100 sports hernias at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. Our patients have included high-profile professional athletes, competitive college athletes, competitive adult athletes, club players, and weekend warriors. Of those treated, 98% have returned to their competitive level of activity, usually within 3 months. This report reviews this entity, its etiology and pathology, and its diagnosis, repair, and rehabilitation.