What are the most common physical symptoms in an individual with a suspected inguinal abdominal wall disruption (Sportsman’s Hernia)?
Answer:
Physical symptoms include…
- a dilated superficial ring on palpating
- a positive cough impulse
- tenderness on the affected side
The size of the inguinal ring though is not a watertight physical sign, as a tight inguinal ring may suggest the absence of an inguinal abdominal wall disruption. Exploratory surgery has often refuted the reliability of this test, with indications of early hernia-type changes in the external oblique and posterior wall.
The terms ‘Groin injury’, ‘Gilmore’s groin’ and ‘Sportsman’s hernia’ are often used to describe a multitude of pelvic and groin injuries and cover a wide variety of injury scenarios for both patient and medical personnel. To this end the diagnostic term of ‘inguinal disruption’ is a more correct and all encompassing definition of the aforementioned ‘injuries’ (Sheen et al, 2013 BJSM). In the world of professional sport, the pressure to win is so intense that often abdominal wall surgery may be necessary immediately after diagnosis. In the undiagnosed or amateur player rest, rehabilitation and a period of frustration may be the only immediate option. Full functional recovery is possible within a 2-6 week time period with the appropriate surgery and rehabilitation programme.
In May’s Physiotherapy Club webinar Dave Fevre, Head of Sports Medicine at Blackburn Rovers FC, advises on the diagnosis, rehabilitation and prevention, if possible, of acute and chronic pelvic and groin injury, with an emphasis on active rehabilitation for both patient and therapist. Join Physiotherapy Club for immediate access to this recorded webinar.
