Surgical options in the treatment of sports hernia

Groin injuries in athletes are seen with increasing frequency. The insidious onset of groin pain in professional athletes may be caused by a range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. The diagnosis of occult or "sports" hernia must be considered in athletes who do not respond to conservative treatment modalities directed at these entities. A review of diagnostic workup and presenting symptomatology is given. In addition, a retrospective literature review of the surgical treatment of sports hernias is presented, including the lead author's personal experience with laparoscopic hernia repair. Comparison is made between operative findings, surgical techniques, and long-term results. Although length of recovery and return to activity varied from series to series, laparoscopic hernia repair provided the quickest return to full, unrestricted athletic activity in 4 weeks or less. Laparoscopic preperitoneal hernia repair should be considered as a treatment modality in athletes presenting with chronic groin pain. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.