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 the intestine through a weakness in the abdominal wall, which can cause groin 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.
- Groin pull or adductor tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that attach the adductor muscles to the bone, typically resulting from overuse or direct injury.
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 promptly treated.
- Aortic dissection or abdominal aortic aneurysm: Although rare, these conditions can present with groin pain and are life-threatening if not immediately addressed.
Rare diagnoses
- Avulsion fracture: A rare injury where a fragment of bone is pulled away from the main mass of bone as a result of physical trauma, which can occur in the groin area.
- Psoas abscess: A collection of pus in the psoas muscle, which can cause groin pain and is often associated with underlying conditions like osteomyelitis or spinal infections.
- Nerve entrapment syndromes: Conditions like ilioinguinal or genitofemoral neuralgia, where nerves in the groin area become compressed or irritated, leading to pain and other symptoms.