Treatment

Once athletic pubalgia is identified, the tear can be corrected surgically to reinforce the muscles to the bone. A few years ago, the only way to repair the tear was to perform an open operation that involved a 6-inch incision in the abdomen and a recovery time of up to three months.

Today, the procedure can be performed using minimally invasive (laparscopic) surgery. Laparoscopy uses three ¼-inch incisions to allow insertion of instruments used to visulize muscle damage and perform the repair. To reinforce the repair and make it stronger, a synthetic mesh-like material is used.

Compared to open surgery, laparscopy results in a much shorter recovery time, less pain and need for pain medication, and minimal scarring. The shorter recovery time is a great help to athletes, who often can't afford to take a lot of time off from their season.

With the minimally invasive procedure, patients are walking the day of surgery. No exercise except walking is allowed in the first two weeks. During weeks two to four, patients can resume aerobic activity such as biking, jogging, or swimming. At four weeks, athletes can start lifting, sprinting, and resume playing their sport.