Olympia Health Care LLC

Groin pain is extremely common in soccer players, especially male soccer players, with nearly a third experiencing groin pain over the course of their careers. Despite its high prevalence, there continues to be some confusion and controversy regarding the detailed anatomy and recommended terminology related to groin pain in athletes. This article will review the anatomy, clinical presentation, biomechanics, pathology and imaging findings most commonly associated with groin pain in soccer players.

The proximal origin of the rectus femoris from the anterior superior iliac spine, anterior inferior iliac spine and the supraacetabular sulcus comprises the proximal tendinous complex. A practical MR imaging-guided approach adapted to the anatomy of the proximal tendinous complex and the myoconnective transitions along the rectus femoris is critical in accurately evaluating and following rectus femoris injuries. This review presents various conditions, including avulsions, tendon tears, and myoconnecive lesions along the muscle that can result in loss of function and pain. Furthermore, different pathologies or "abnormal states" that can present with symptoms similar to myoconnective lesions are demonstrated.

MR imaging evaluation of hamstring tendons reveals their association with subgluteal posterior hip pain, emphasizing the superiority of MR imaging over ultrasound due to the deep location of the hamstrings. This review encompasses various conditions, including overuse tendinopathy, metabolic disorders, and sports-related injuries prevalent in elite and recreational athletes. Practical MR imaging-guided approaches tailored to clinical needs and therapeutic options are discussed, highlighting MR imaging's crucial role in monitoring postinjury healing. Furthermore, potential residual complications are outlined, underscoring MR imaging's significance in diagnosing, treating, and evaluating hamstring tendon-related ailments comprehensively.