10-year results of the Nesovic procedure combined with adductor release for groin pain in 33 competitive athletes.

Abstract

Purpose:The aim of this study is to evaluate a surgical treatment for groin pain in athletes.Methods:We present 10 years results of 33 patients operated on between April 2002 and May 2006 diagnosed with a “sports hernia”. The injury was treated with a bilateral abdominal procedure according to Nesovic combined with a bilateral adductor release after unsuccessful conservative treatment. There were 32 male patients between 18 and 43 years and one female patient aged 25 years with a mean age of 28.8 at time of surgery. All procedures were bilateral. Patients were seen in the postoperative clinic and a questionnaire was collected after 2 years and 10 years.Results:Within 16 weeks, 30 patients (90,9 %) returned to the same or a higher level of sports activities. 10 years after surgery 31 patients (93,9%) remained free of pain. 1 patient has minor pain after training (VAS 0-1) and only 1 patient still experiences pain (VAS ≥5) after heavy work. 19 of 20 patients (95%, 57% of total cohort) were pain free to the end of their sporting careers.