Orthopedics:

Conditions

Groin Pain

Groin pain is often a sign of problems within the hip joint. Pain within the hip joint is most often, but not always, experienced in the groin. Pain over the outside of the hip is usually not caused by a hip joint problem and is more commonly related to hip bursitis or a pinched nerve in the back. Patients with hip problems also often complain of groind pain. This is called "referred pain," and it is due to the organization of nerves in our body.

The best way to determine if the hip joint is the cause of your groin pain is to lie down and have an examiner move your hip through different motions. If this replicates your symptoms of groin pain, then the hip joint is likely the cause of these symptoms. Groin pain also can be caused by muscle pulls (groin strains), hernias, and pinched nerves in the back and the conditions listed below:

Acetabular Labral Tear

Although usually associated with hip impingement, the labrum or "O-ring" of the hip joint can be torn by an injury to the hip. The labrum is important because it deepens the socket and seals fluid in the joint for proper lubrication. If torn, the labrum can be removed or repaired with arthroscopic surgery.

Avascular Necrosis of the Hip

Avascular necrosis, or osteonecrosis of the femoral head, is a condition that results when blood flow to the head ball of the hip is reduced or stopped, resulting in the death of cells in the bone tissue. This can ultimately cause weakening and collapse of the bone in the femoral head.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

Dysplasia of the hip occurs as a result of improper formation of the hip socket (the acetabulum) during growth of the socket. The result is a socket that is too shallow. In severe cases, dislocation of the ball from the socket can occur.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI, or Hip Impingement)

Femoroacetabular impingement, also known as FAI or hip impingement, is a condition in which there is abnormal contact between the ball (femoral head) and the rim of the socket (the acetabulum). The condition is now thought to be a major contributor to the development of arthritis of the hip joint.

Hip Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis may cause hip pain that refers as groin pain. Relief in each case may be found through hip surgery such as total hip replacement or total hip resurfacing.