Differential Diagnosis for Groin Pain
The following is a list of potential diagnoses for groin pain, categorized by likelihood and potential impact.
Single most likely diagnosis
- Muscle strain: This is the most common cause of groin pain, often resulting from overuse or direct injury to the muscles in the groin area, such as the adductor muscles. It is frequently seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve sudden changes of direction or kicking, like soccer or football.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Inguinal hernia: A protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weakened area in the groin, which can cause pain, especially when coughing, lifting, or bending.
- Osteitis pubis: An inflammatory condition affecting the pubic bone and surrounding structures, often seen in athletes involved in sports that involve kicking.
- Groin pulls or adductor tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that attach the adductor muscles to the bone, typically caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Testicular torsion: A medical emergency where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It requires immediate attention to save the affected testicle.
- Epididymitis or orchitis: Inflammation of the epididymis or testicle, often due to bacterial infection, which can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Aortic dissection or abdominal aortic aneurysm: Although rare, these conditions can present with groin pain and are life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate medical intervention.
Rare diagnoses
- Avulsion fractures: A type of fracture where a fragment of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament, which can occur in the groin area.
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE): A condition affecting the hip joint where the ball at the upper end of the femur (thigh bone) slips out of place, more common in adolescents and can refer pain to the groin.
- Psoas abscess: A rare condition where an abscess forms in the psoas muscle, which can cause groin pain among other symptoms.
- Lymphoma or other malignancies: Although extremely rare, certain types of cancer can initially present with groin pain due to lymph node involvement or direct tumor growth.