Aetiology

The differential diagnosis for groin pain is very broad and complex. Pain referred to the groin can be caused by traumatic injury to various intra-articular (cartilage, labral, osseous) structures or extra-articular (muscle, tendon, bursa) tissues. The pain may be caused by common degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis, or anatomical and mechanical distortions seen in conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement or hip dysplasia. Additionally, pain may be referred from non-musculoskeletal areas as well, including the abdomen, GU tract, and lumbar spine.