Multidisciplinary Assessment of 100 Athletes With Groin Pain Using the Doha Agreement: High Prevalence of Adductor-Related Groin Pain in Conjunction With Multiple Causes

Abstract
Objective:To examine the prevalence of different causes of groin pain in athletes using the recent Doha consensus classificationof terminology and definitions of groin pain in athletes.
Design:Descriptive epidemiological study.Setting:Multidisciplinarysports groin pain clinic at Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
Patients:The clinical records of 100consecutive athletes with complaints of groin pain who attended the multidisciplinary sports groin pain clinic between January and December 2014 were analyzed.
Main Outcome Measures:The causes of groin pain were categorized according to termi-nology and definitions agreed upon at the Doha consensus meeting on groin pain classification in athletes. The classification systemhas 3 main subheadings; defined clinical entities for groin pain (adductor-related, iliopsoas-related, inguinal-related, and pubic-related groin pain), hip-related groin pain, and other causes of groin pain in athletes.
Results:The majority of athletes were male(98%) soccer players (60%). Multiple causes for groin pain were found in 44% of the athletes. Adductor-related groin pain was themost prevalent defined clinical entity (61% of athletes), and pubic-related groin pain was the least prevalent (4% of athletes).
Conclusions:Adductor-related groin pain is the most commonly occurring clinical entity in this athlete population in mainlykicking and change of direction sports and frequently, multiple causes are found.
Clinical Relevance:This is the first study to usethe Doha agreement classification system and highlights the prevalence of adductor-related groin pain and that often multipleclinical entities contribute to an athlete’s groin pain. Consequently, prevention programs should be implemented with these factorsin mind.