Differential Diagnosis for Acute Right Groin Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Muscle strain: This is the most common cause of acute groin pain, often resulting from sudden contraction or stretching of the muscles in the groin area, such as during sports activities. The pain is typically localized to the groin and may be accompanied by swelling or bruising.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Inguinal hernia: An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The hernia can cause severe pain, especially when coughing, lifting, or bending over.
- Groin pull or adductor strain: Similar to a muscle strain, a groin pull affects the adductor muscles in the thigh and can cause pain and swelling in the groin area.
- Osteitis pubis: This is an inflammatory condition that affects the pubic bone and the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It can cause chronic groin pain but may also present acutely.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Testicular torsion: Although more commonly associated with testicular pain, testicular torsion can sometimes present with groin pain. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention to preserve the testicle.
- Appendicitis: In some cases, especially if the appendix is located in a retrocecal position, appendicitis can cause pain that is referred to the groin area. Delayed diagnosis can lead to serious complications.
- Ectopic pregnancy: In women, an ectopic pregnancy can cause severe abdominal or groin pain and is a life-threatening condition if not promptly treated.
- Aortic dissection or abdominal aortic aneurysm: These are rare but critical conditions that can cause severe, acute pain that may be referred to the groin area, among other symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Avulsion fracture: A rare injury where a fragment of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament, which can occur in the groin area.
- Psoas abscess: An abscess of the psoas muscle can cause groin pain, among other symptoms like fever and back pain.
- Iliopsoas bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa that reduces friction between the iliopsoas muscle and the pelvis can cause groin pain.
- Lymphoma or other malignancies: Although rare, certain types of cancer can cause groin pain due to lymph node involvement or direct tumor effects.