Sports Hernia Repair (Core Muscle)
What is a Core Muscle (Sports Hernia)?
A core muscle injury is a condition that results when the soft tissues, muscles and tendons in the lower abdomen and groin become weak, strained, or torn. This injury can cause pain, particularly during physical activity involving bending or twisting at the waist. About 5% of adult athletes suffer a core muscle (sports hernia) injury each year, which can be disabling.
Core muscle injuries are most common in male athletes between the ages of 20 and 30 who participate in intense activities that involve sudden changes of direction and forceful twisting such as baseball, ice hockey, soccer, wrestling, and football.
Many core muscle injuries can be treated with conservative management such as activity modification and physical therapy. Core muscle surgical repair is reserved for patients who do not respond to conservative management.
Treatment of core muscle injuries may include a variety of surgical procedures including:
- Rectus abdominis muscle repair and reinforcement. The rectus abdominus is the large muscle on either side of the abdomen that creates the “six-pack”. The muscle extends from the lower ribs to the pelvis. It helps us maintain an upright position. Surgery is designed to repair the muscle, thereby treating the core injury.
- Adductor repair is surgery to repair hip adductor tendon tears.
- Abdominal wall repair with or without mesh is used to treat traditional abdominal wall defects that allow herniation of bowel tissue through a weakened floor.
- Hip arthroscopy is used to treat symptoms of intraarticular hip injuries, such as labral tears or femoroacetabular impingement, which are often found concomitantly with core muscle injuries. The experts at LALL Orthopedics+ is one of few places worldwide where same-day, outpatient combination hip arthroscopy and core muscle repair is performed. This combination procedure has been shown to be safe and effective with a significantly reduced recovery time compared to the staged approach.
Following this same-day surgical procedure, patients will begin a focused physical therapy regiment with varying recovery times based on procedures performed. Patients can expect a significant improvement in their pain and discomfort with the goal of pre-injury level of function.
If you are experiencing symptoms of abdominal or groin pain that worsens with activity like twisting, bending, or coughing, this could be a core muscle (sports hernia) injury. Please schedule a consultation with LALL Orthopedics+ to undergo a comprehensive evaluation with our team of experts.
Dr. Ajay C. Lall is a former dual sport NCAA collegiate athlete (football and track & field), American board certified, triple fellowship-trained expert orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip arthroscopy and robotic hip replacement. He treats non-athletes and athletes at all levels of play from collegiate to professional to the Olympic level. Dr. Lall is a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon who cares for all patients like family. Contact LALL Orthopedics + to schedule a consultation, receive the correct diagnosis, and undergo state-of-the-art treatment options.
At a Glance
Ajay C. Lall, MD, MS, FAAOS
- Board Certified – Orthopedic Surgery
- Triple Fellowship Trained
- Performs over 750 Surgeries Per Year
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