After any operation the body goes through three stages healing.
Inflammatory Stage: During this stage the white blood cells move into the incision to remove injured cells, bacteria, and debris. This stage can be minimized by the surgeon with gentle handling of the tissues and careful hemostasis.
Proliferation Stage: During this stage fibroblasts move into the area to lay down collagen and fibronectin. The strands of collagen provides the strength of the repair. The fibronectin binds the collagen strands together. Because of the collagen deposition, on about day 5 you will feel what is called the “Healing Ridge” under the incision. This will be firm and mildly painful ridge of tissue. It will extend beyond the incision for about 2cm. Myofibroblasts will then move into the area. These cells contain muscle fibers and will contract to pull everything together. This will make the operative area will feel very tight. The “Healing Ridge” is a normal and expected part of the post operative course. The “Healing Ridge” will disappear in about 5 weeks.
Maturation Stage: This this stage the collagen fibers are aligned along lines of tension. Excess healing tissue is removed. The cells that are no longer needed die. The Healing Ridge disappears and the incision becomes flat and soft. This stage is slow and may take several months.
If you think you may be suffering from a sports hernia, please consider making an appointment with Dr. Brown to see if you’re right. Dr. Brown specializes in working with hernia patients, and is an expert at the process of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.