Literature Review
Athletic Pubalgia: Recognition, Treatment, and Prevention

Athletic Training & Sports Health Care  Vol. 2   No. 1   January/February 2010

By Sarah B. Rabe, MS, ATC, LAT; Gretchen D. Oliver, PhD, ATC, LAT

ABSTRACT

Athletic pubalgia is a term grossly misunderstood throughout the sports medicine community. This syndrome is multifaceted and lacks true definition. Athletic pubalgia involves a wide variety of structures surrounding the pelvis and often results in cessation of physical activity. There are many factors contributing to athletic pubalgia, including sport, position, and gender, and it should be addressed through an initial physical examination. Athletic pubalgia is difficult to assess through diagnostic imaging and is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. To provide optimal health care for patients, athletic trainers and health care professionals must understand athletic pubalgia and distinguish it from other injuries. The purpose of this literature review is to aid in recognizing, treating, and preventing athletic pubalgia and to highlight surgical options.

AUTHORS

Ms Rabe is Assistant Athletic Trainer, Athletic Department, and Dr Oliver is from the Graduate Athletic Training Education Program and the Department of Health, Kinesiology, Recreation, and Dance, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark.

Originally submitted January 8, 2009.

Accepted for publication June 30, 2009.

Posted online September 4, 2009.

The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein.

Address correspondence to Gretchen D. Oliver, PhD, ATC, LAT, 309 HPER University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701; e-mail: goliver@uark.edu.

doi:10.3928/19425864-20090827-01