Symphysis syndrome in athletes: surgical treatment for chronic lower abdominal, groin, and adductor pain in athletes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the results of surgical treatment on athletes presenting with chronic symphysis syndrome (lower abdominal, groin, and adductor pain).

DESIGN

Retrospective nonrandomized study.

SETTING

Swiss Olympic Medical Center associated with Institute of Sports Sciences.

PATIENTS

Twenty-four athletes who were treated for chronic symphysis syndrome, a combination of abdominal, groin, and adductor pain, were evaluated for an average of 6.6 years after surgery. All athletes were males, with a mean age of 25.8 years. The average duration of chronic symptoms was 17 months.

INTERVENTIONS

Of patients, 20 underwent spreading of the lateral border of the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle together with an epimysial adductor release, and 4 had only the reconstruction of the rectus abdominis muscle.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Subjective (questionnaire) and objective (clinical examination) follow-up data using point scores were obtained at a mean of 6.6 years posttreatment.

RESULTS

The mean point score in the subjective overall rating was 10.2 (maximum 12) and in the objective rating was 12.0 (maximum 13). Of athletes, 21 were very content, 2 were content, and 1 was not content. Full sports activity was noted in 23 of 24 athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of chronic symphysis syndrome is successful and can salvage the career of athletes.