When groin pain signals an adductor strain

One of the most common causes of groin pain in athletes is a muscle strain injury, typically involving one of the adductor muscles. The history and physical exam should focus on common causes of groin pain in the athlete. Imaging studies should routinely include radiographs to rule out fractures, with CT and MRI reserved for more complicated cases in which the diagnosis is unclear from the history and physical exam. Management should be directed at the relief of pain and swelling, with early restoration of range of motion. Surgical repair may be indicated in acute, complete muscle rapture, or in complete, chronic muscle rapture with pain refractory to conservative treatment. Well-controlled clinical and laboratory studies are needed to determine optimal preventive measures.