Learning objectives
Review the anatomy and pathophysiology of the pubic symphysis and inguinal regiony
Know the indicated imaging techniques and how to perform the exams
Review the characteristic findings and the most important diferential diagnosis
Background
Inguinal pain syndrome is understood nowadays as any clinic generally referred as pain,
located in the pubic-inguinal-adductor region,
that interferes with the athletic practice or the daily life of the patient and that requires medical assistance (1) The inguinal pain syndrome is a very controversial entity,
the term itself is descriptive and encompasses multiple entities,
up to 63 entities are classified in 11 categories (2).
The large number of medical-surgical specialties involved in its clinical management (trauma,
surgery,
rehabilitation,
sports medicine) also contributes,
as well...
Imaging findings OR Procedure Details
Anatomy
Although the groin lacks formal anatomical limits,
for practical purposes it can be considered as the area that covers the inguinal region and the pubic symphysis,
it extends inferiorly to involve the proximal aspect of the adductor compartment of both thighs and superiorly to the rectus abdominis muscles.
The pubic symphysis is anamphyarthrodial joint,
composed of a pair of pubic bones and an interposed articular disc offers an ovoid articular face covered with articular cartilage and a fibrocartilaginous disc interposed,
it´s function is absorbing...
Conclusion
It is necessary to become familiar with the pubic anatomy,
the different image techniques and the entities that can give or simulate pain in the inguinal region to obtain precise diagnoses and help to plan the treatment of the patients
References
1.- GN Bisciotti,P Volpi,R Zini,A Auci,A Aprato,
A Belli,et al.
Groin Pain Syndrome Italian Consensus Conference on terminology,clinical evaluation and imaging assessment in groinpain in athlete.
BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2016
2.- Imran M.
Omar,
Adam C.
Zoga,
Eoin C.
Kavanagh,
George Koulouris,
Diane Bergin,
Angela G Gopez et al.
Athletic pubalgia and “sports hernia”: optimal MR imaging technique and findings.
Radiographics 2008;28:1415–38.
3.- MacMahon PJ,
Hogan BA,
Shelly MJ,
Eustace SJ,
Kavanagh EC.
Imaging of groin pain.
Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am...