Sports-related groin pain can affect athletes at every level, from professionals to active adults, and accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. Under the direction of Dr. Treen — an accomplished surgeon with decades of experience in hernia and abdominal wall conditions — the Hernia Institute of Louisiana offers a thoughtful, individualized approach to evaluating sports hernias.
With careful assessment and a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures, patients receive guidance that supports safe healing and a return to activity.
What Is a Sports Hernia?
Over the last several years, more and more publicity has emerged around professional athletes undergoing surgery for a “sports hernia.” In fact, the condition is perhaps more accurately labeled athletic pubalgia (pain in the pubic region).
A sports hernia is actually not a hernia at all. It is thought to involve a disruption of connective tissue in the pelvis, in or near the inguinal region, which is caused by an imbalance of muscular and tendinous forces focused in the groin.
Causes of Sports Hernias
This condition most commonly occurs during athletic activities that require certain motions of the hip, thigh, and abdominal muscles. Soccer and hockey players seem to be at the greatest risk. Still, any activity that places stress on this area can produce symptoms of a sports hernia, especially when conditioning is somewhat unbalanced.
Professional athletes are not the only ones at risk. In fact, it is likely that non-professional athletes and “weekend warriors” produce more injuries.
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Diagnosing Sports Hernias
Diagnosis can be challenging, as diagnostic imaging studies such as MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound are often normal or inconclusive. Careful evaluation, including analysis of the mechanisms underlying the pain and targeted physical examination, is usually the only way to accurately diagnose this condition.
Treating Sports Hernias
Experts in the field debate the appropriate treatment for this condition, and there is no clear consensus on which surgical approach is preferable.
Our approach is to avoid the “one surgery fits all” mentality and to devise a treatment plan suitable for the patient, their condition, and the urgency of returning to similar athletic activity. Clearly, professional athletes need to be “back in the game” as soon as possible. Still, it is important to allow adequate healing, whether or not surgery is involved, before resuming full participation.
For some, surgery is not required. Quality physical therapy with a competent and knowledgeable therapist, combined with gradual strengthening exercises, can yield excellent results.
Surgical options for sports hernia include minimally invasive laparoscopic repair with lightweight mesh and minimal-incision “open” bilayer mesh repair with the Prolene Hernia System or UltraPro Hernia System. Release of the adductor muscle tendon in the groin is occasionally advised, but is employed very judiciously.
Recovery
Professional athletes can usually return to the field of play in as little as 2 weeks, but 3-4 weeks is the average. Others, depending on the level of conditioning and need for therapy after surgery, can require up to 6-8 weeks for adequate recovery.
Why Choose the Hernia Institute of Louisiana for Sports Hernia Repair in Metairie?
Patients seeking sports hernia repair in Metairie benefit from the Hernia Institute of Louisiana’s focused expertise and thoughtful, case-by-case approach to care. Under the leadership of Dr. Treen, a surgeon with decades of experience in groin-related injuries and abdominal wall conditions, the practice offers precise evaluation and treatment options that reflect each patient’s athletic demands and recovery goals.
Explore Sports Hernia Repair Options Today
If you’re experiencing persistent groin pain and want a clear evaluation of your condition, the Hernia Institute of Louisiana provides focused guidance and experience you can rely on. Dr. Treen and his team carefully identify the true source of your symptoms and discuss a treatment plan that fits your goals, activity level, and recovery needs.
To speak with our staff or request more information, contact the Hernia Institute of Louisiana at 504-218-4922.