Sports Hernia, Diagnostic Test to confirm

[Dennis461]

Would a CT with contrast and an ultrasound be sufficient to establish a diagnosis of sports hernia? If not, what test is required?
If a sports hernia is confirmed, what are the treatment options? My guess is starting with rest and physical therapy, but I am also curious about other treatments that might be recommended prior to any surgical intervention….massage therapy, nerve blocks, etc etc.

I apologize if this is a redundant post, I did a search and did not find the exact answers.

Thank you for your assistance, I appreciate any advice.

[Good intentions]

I hope it’s okay to post a link to another site here. I think that this site is more about real hernias, of which the “sports hernia” is not one. A sports hernia does not involve abdominal contents getting pushed through an abdominal wall in to an area it doesn’t belong. It’s more of a muscle/nerve damage problem, as I understand it. It’s not a real hernia.

Here’s a link with a huge thread about sports hernias, with some content about real hernias. http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=559820

[Dennis461]

Thanks for the link. It’s really a lot of information to be found there. I had posted here as my son has in the past consulted with one of the physicians who posts here and I know her to be very knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks again.

[drtowfigh]

A real sports hernia is a tear of the muscle. MRI is the best for this diagnosis.

Surgery is last on the the list of treatments. First it’s rest and anti-inflammatories. Next may be injections.

[Dennis461]

Thank you for the reply, Dr. Towfigh. IF it should turn out to be a sports hernia, are there any recommendations you can make as to a healthcare provider in the Phoenix area who can diagnose, and who is experienced with injections? You may recall the situation – recurring pain after letting a weight (dumbbell) strike the site of an old incision scar.

[drtowfigh]

Injections are typically performed by a pain management specialist. Sometimes orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors, and general surgeons do them, but not as a routine.

Sorry, I don’t know of any in Az. Perhaps call your local sports medicine doctor or orthopedic surgeon and ask who they recommend.

[Dennis461]

Can you recommend anyone in your area? We may have to travel for treatment. Called three places here in Tucson with no luck – seems like every other condition is treated but “sports hernias” must be a specialty! Sorry to keep asking questions. Thanks, Dennis

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