The prevalence of acute and chronic groin injuries in athletes is between 5 and 10 %. This observational case-control study follows three contact sport teams (soccer, ice-hockey and bandy) for two years to find out the prevalence and reasons for groin pain. Clinical examination, pain scores and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are performed. Hip and groin questionnaire (HAGOS) is used to determine severity of groin injuries.

The prevalence of chronic groin pain in athletes and physically active adults is between 5 and 10 %. Common causes include adductor tendonitis, musculus rectus abdominis tendopathy, osteitis pubis (edema on MRI scans at pubic symphysis) or disruption of the posterior wall of inguinal canal or iliopsoas muscle. This observational case-control study follows three contact sports team (male soccer, ice-hockey and bandy) for two years to find out prevalence of acute and chronic groin pain. Adult (>18 years old) male athletes with acute or chronic groin pain during the study pediod are included. Outcome measures are clinical examination, pain scores, exact diagnosis and repeated pelvic MRI (two times) are performed in each patients and three control atheletes in each team. Hip and groin questionnaire (HAGOS) is used to determine the severity of groin injuries. The end-points of study are prevalence of groin injuries and exact diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• acute (1-30 days) groin injury
• subacute or chronic groin injury (lasting >30 days)
• pain in the groin or hip area

Exclusion Criteria:

• inguinal hernia
• postoperative pain
• metallic plates or screws in the pelvis (MRI impossible)

three contact sport teams (male ice-hockey, soccer, bandy)