Also known as "athletic pubalgia", a
sports hernia occurs when there is a weakening of the muscles or tendons of the lower abdominal wall. It is not a
true, or "inguinal hernia" as there is no bulge or protrusion through the inguinal canal.
Diagnosis is often very difficult, and many doctors
will initial diagnose the patient with a pulled muscle or sprain. Ultra
sound and MRI are most effective to detect a tear, although sometimes it still goes undetected.
The only effective method of treatment is surgery, though unfortunately after years of countless operations, it is considered "experimental" by many insurance companies.