A Physical Exam Accurately Diagnoses a Sports Hernia

After the history, physical examination is the most important part of the evaluation. Because the sports hernia is virtually invisible to diagnostic imaging technologies, such as MRI or CT scans, a review of your medical history and a physical examination are used to identify the injury. The physical examination is most important test. The physical examination will often identify which tendons or muscles have been damaged and help evaluate for other potential injuries.

Major areas of inspection include the abdominal region, the groin, the adductor tendons, the hip, and the spermatic cords and testicles in men.

A patient with a sports hernia will have an enlarged external inguinal ring secondary to a tear of the external oblique fascia. The external ring can be palpated by inverting the scrotum with the finger. Normally only the tip of the finger can be passed through the external inguinal ring. In cases of a sports hernia a finger easily passes through the external inguinal ring. Palpation of the external inguinal ring will often reproduce the patient’s pain .Often the floor of the inguinal canal can be palpated. And the thickness and strength can be compared to the contralateral side. A thin and weak inguinal floor is also characteristic with a sports hernia.

Another important part of the examination is palpation of the external oblique as it runs parallel to the inguinal ligament. Often a defect can be palpated. A defect in the external oblique fascia is consistent with a sports hernia.

Learn more about Dr. Brown’s approach to the treatment of sports hernias or contact Dr. Brown for additional information.