Lumbar plexus nerve entrapment syndromes as a cause of groin pain in athletes

Curr Sports Med Rep. 2011 Mar-Apr;10(2):115-20. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e318214a045.

Abstract

In athletes, groin pain is not uncommon and can be severe and activity-limiting. Nerve entrapment syndromes of the lumbar plexus are a rare but important etiology that should be considered when evaluating athletes. Diagnosis can be made based on patterns of pain and hypoesthesia following the sensory distribution of the involved nerve and by pain relief with nerve block. Conservative therapies, including nerve blocks, neurodestructive procedures, and medications, may provide long-term pain relief. If nonsurgical therapies fail, referral should be made for surgical exploration and neurectomy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Athletes*
  • Cryosurgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electromyography
  • Groin*
  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Plexus / anatomy & histology
  • Lumbosacral Plexus / physiopathology*
  • Nerve Block
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / complications
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / therapy*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Management*
  • Physical Examination
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones