IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Athletic pubalgia

Case contributed by Domenico Nicoletti
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fencing master with pubic pain for about six months.

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Male

Pelvic radiograph

x-ray

Thickened appearance of the articular surfaces of the pubic symphysis with normal joint space.

Pelvis

mri

Bone marrow edema of both pubic bones close to the symphysis with associated edema of the insertion of the adductor muscles. The articular surfaces of the symphysis show some subchondral erosions and the joint space is narrow.

Case Discussion

Athletic pubalgia consists of an insertional tendinopathy, of microtraumatic origin, due to the adductor muscles and/or the abdominal straight muscles.

In more advanced phases, an arthropathy of the pubic symphysis (pubic osteitis) can also be associated.

The causes are functional overload and repeated microtraumas of torsional and traction type in the tendon insertions of abdominals and adductors, in the presence of predisposing factors (postural alterations, dysmetria, incorrect plantar support).

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.