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.