RenströmP,PetersonL (1980) Groin injuries in athletes.Br J Sports Med 14: 30-36.

Groin pain in athletes is a common problem that can result in significant amounts ofmissed playing time.Many of the problems are related to the musculoskeletal system, but care must be taken not to overlook other more serious and potentially life threatening medical cases of pelvis and groin pain.

Stress fractures of the bones of the pelvis occur, particularly after a sudden increase in the intensity of training. Most of these stress fractures will heal with rest, but femoral neck stress fractures can potentially lead to more serious problems, and require closer evaluation and sometimes surgical treatment.

Avulsion fractures of the apophyses occur through the relatively weaker growth plate in adolescents. Most of these will heal with a graduated physical therapy programme and do not need surgery.

Osteitis pubis is characterised by sclerosis and bony changes about the pubic symphysis. This is a self-limiting disease that can take several months to resolve. Corticosteroid injection can sometimes hasten the rehabilitation process.