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.
- Hip or pelvic fractures: Although less common, fractures in the hip or pelvis can cause groin pain, especially in the elderly or after significant trauma.
- 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 testicle.
- Aortic dissection or aneurysm: Although rare, these conditions can present with groin pain due to the proximity of the aorta to the groin area and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Pulmonary embolism: In some cases, a pulmonary embolism can cause referred pain to the groin area, especially if the embolism is large and affects blood flow significantly.
- 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.
- Sports-related injuries (e.g., athletic pubalgia): Also known as "sports hernia," this condition involves chronic groin pain in athletes without a visible hernia, often due to a strain or tear in the muscles or tendons of the groin.
- Nerve entrapment syndromes: Conditions like ilioinguinal neuralgia or genitofemoral neuralgia, where nerves in the groin area become compressed or irritated, leading to pain.