Successful Nonoperative Treatment Methods for Athletic Pubalgia: A Systematic Review
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
Abstract/Artist Statement
Title: Successful Nonoperative Treatment Methods for Athletic Pubalgia: A Systematic Review
Purpose: To describe the nonsurgical treatment methods for athletic pubalgia identified in literature. To establish a compiled protocol of nonsurgical interventions for return to sport after diagnosis of athletic pubalgia.
Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were accessed in November 2023 using the search terms: athletic pubalgia, rehabilitation, nonsurgical, sports hernia, conservative, and return to sport. Only randomized control trials, case reports, and case series written in English were included resulting in six articles. Articles that met inclusion criteria were analyzed for the population treated, interventions listed, intervention length, and return-to-sport outcomes. Generalized key concepts and specific exercises were analyzed.
Originality: Current literature supports surgical treatment as the superior treatment method in respect to long-term symptom alleviation and return-to-sport outcomes, however, studies state that a period of conservative treatment should be attempted prior to surgical intervention. Even so, limited successful nonsurgical protocols are provided. Often, conservative treatment methods reported have poor long-term results or ultimately result in surgical intervention. With conservative care as the preferred first step of treatment, there is need for a compilation of successful nonsurgical care methods.
Significance: It remains to be seen if any exact protocol could work for every implied or confirmed athletic pubalgia case. Successful nonoperative cases within current literature support a multidisciplinary treatment approach involving joint mobilization, soft tissue work including trigger point therapy and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, and therapeutic exercises emphasizing the strengthening of hip and abdominal musculature, core stabilization, and balance.
Mentor Name
Valerie Moody
Successful Nonoperative Treatment Methods for Athletic Pubalgia: A Systematic Review
UC North Ballroom
Title: Successful Nonoperative Treatment Methods for Athletic Pubalgia: A Systematic Review
Purpose: To describe the nonsurgical treatment methods for athletic pubalgia identified in literature. To establish a compiled protocol of nonsurgical interventions for return to sport after diagnosis of athletic pubalgia.
Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were accessed in November 2023 using the search terms: athletic pubalgia, rehabilitation, nonsurgical, sports hernia, conservative, and return to sport. Only randomized control trials, case reports, and case series written in English were included resulting in six articles. Articles that met inclusion criteria were analyzed for the population treated, interventions listed, intervention length, and return-to-sport outcomes. Generalized key concepts and specific exercises were analyzed.
Originality: Current literature supports surgical treatment as the superior treatment method in respect to long-term symptom alleviation and return-to-sport outcomes, however, studies state that a period of conservative treatment should be attempted prior to surgical intervention. Even so, limited successful nonsurgical protocols are provided. Often, conservative treatment methods reported have poor long-term results or ultimately result in surgical intervention. With conservative care as the preferred first step of treatment, there is need for a compilation of successful nonsurgical care methods.
Significance: It remains to be seen if any exact protocol could work for every implied or confirmed athletic pubalgia case. Successful nonoperative cases within current literature support a multidisciplinary treatment approach involving joint mobilization, soft tissue work including trigger point therapy and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, and therapeutic exercises emphasizing the strengthening of hip and abdominal musculature, core stabilization, and balance.