What's Next?

Sports Hernia Surgery An Effective Treatment

For patients whose history and physical examination are consistent with a sports hernia, surgery has shown to be the most effective treatment.

Two different surgical procedures are used to treat sports hernias – open groin reconstruction and laparoscopic reinforcement with mesh. Both yield excellent results.

Dr. Brown prefers the open groin reconstruction. This allows for inspection of the underlying pathology. In this procedure, muscles and tendons are repaired, and other possible sources of pain are evaluated and can be fixed during surgery. Full evaluation and repair are only possible with the open repair. Nearly 100% of patients return to playing their sport.

In laparoscopic reinforcement, a tension-free mesh is attached to the pain source allowing the area to strengthen without extended stress. However, general anesthesia and mesh are required.

In addition to the main surgical procedures addressing the sports hernia, additional procedures exist which can alleviate potential supplemental sources of pain in the groin.

Adductor Tenotomy

Some patients – around 30% - present pain in the adductor muscles of the thigh in addition to the oblique muscle tear. In these instances – where the pain persists after the initial open or laparoscopic repair – an adductor tenotomy may be advised.

This procedure involves severing the adductor tendon in order to allow the muscle to stretch to its normal extension range. The tendon regrows at its new extension range, allowing for greater ease of mobility and range of motion.

Reports document positive results from the procedure without a great loss of function or strength. Rehabilitation procedure does not change from that of the sports hernia procedure. Dr. Brown will advise patients with significant adductor tendon pain preoperatively of the benefits of the adductor tenotomy.

Iloinguinal Neurectomy

Some patients continue to experience chronic pain after a sports hernia surgical procedure. In these cases, an ilioinguinal neurectomy may be advised.

An ilioinguinal neurectomy involves removing the ilioinguinal nerve, which travels through the groin region. It is often the source of post-groin surgery pain. This procedure allows an athlete to return to their sport pain-free. This procedure results in temporary numbness in the scrotum and thigh and eventually resolves over time. Ilioinguinal neurectomies have shown excellent results in patients, specifically athletes.

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

Dr. William H. Brown, III
Sports Hernia Specialist

Dr. William Brown, MD

Dr. Brown has been performing sports hernia surgeries and providing specialized rehabilitation programs since 1999.

His clients include the San Jose Sharks, San Jose Sabercats and the San Jose Earthquakes sports teams.

556 Mowry Ave, Suite 100
Fremont, CA 94536
Phone: (510) 793 2404
Fax: (510) 793 1320
Email: