Differential Diagnosis for Groin Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Muscular 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.
- 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 or rapid changes of direction.
- Hip or pelvic fractures: Fractures in the hip or pelvis can radiate pain to the groin area, especially if the fracture involves the femoral neck or acetabulum.
- 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 blood supply to the testicle, requiring immediate surgical intervention.
- Aortic dissection or aneurysm: Although rare, aortic dissection or aneurysm can cause groin pain due to the proximity of the aorta to the groin area, and is a life-threatening condition.
- Pulmonary embolism: In some cases, a pulmonary embolism can cause referred pain to the groin area, especially if the embolism is large and causes significant cardiovascular strain.
- Rare diagnoses
- Avulsion fractures: A rare type of fracture where a fragment of bone is pulled away from the main bone by a tendon or ligament, which can occur in the groin area.
- Sports-related nerve entrapment: Nerve entrapment or compression can occur in the groin area, especially in athletes, causing pain, numbness, or tingling.
- Referred pain from abdominal or pelvic pathology: Certain conditions, such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or ovarian cysts, can cause referred pain to the groin area, although this is less common.