Sports-related groin pain: evaluation with MR imaging

Abstract

Our purpose was to assess the role of MRI in evaluating themusculoskeletal system in athletes with chronic pain laterally in the groin of unknown etiology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pubic ring was performed in 11 young athletes (soc cer players) with long-standing groin n pain. MR findings were: compared with plain films and isotope examination (bone scan Tc 99M). Abnormal MRI findings included a broadend andirregular symphysis witha characteristics pattern of low signal intensity on T1W and high signal intensity on T2W images localized in the superior pubic ramus at a distance from the symphasis. Positive findings wer also observed on plain films and on nuclear medicine studies. However, the imaging findings in the superior pubic ramus of the symphysis was located considerably more laterally on MRI. MRI is :a valuable method for evaluating discrete and ambiguous pelvic pain in athletes. particularly for identifying concomitant changes in the superior ramus, which may give rise to long-standing localized laterally in the groin.