The Adductor–Rectus Angle in Sports-related Groin Pain: Current Evidence, Clinical Relevance, and Future Directions

Le résumé fourni par la source

Abstract Background: Sports-related groin pain (SRGP) is a common and potentially career-limiting condition in high-performance athletes, reflecting the complex anatomy and biomechanical loading of the anterior pelvis. Despite advances in clinical classification and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based assessment of core muscle injury and athletic pubalgia, current diagnostic approaches remain largely qualitative and offer limited insight into geometric or load-related factors. The adductor–rectus angle (ARA) is a recently described MRI-based parameter quantifying the relationship between the rectus abdominis and adductor longus at the pubic symphysis, though its clinical relevance remains unclear. Materials and Methods: A narrative review of contemporary literature was conducted to synthesize current concepts in SRGP and core muscle injury. The anatomy and biomechanics of the rectus–adductor aponeurotic complex were reviewed, and existing evidence on the definition, measurement, and reproducibility of the ARA was critically appraised. Practical considerations for incorporating the ARA into routine MRI assessment were also examined. Results: Preliminary data in asymptomatic adults indicate that the ARA can be measured reproducibly on MRI. However, no studies have evaluated the ARA in symptomatic athletes or assessed its association with imaging findings, treatment strategies, or clinical outcomes. Its diagnostic and prognostic value therefore remains non-validated. Conclusion: The ARA is a novel geometric descriptor that may improve the understanding of anterior pelvic biomechanics in athletes with groin pain. At present, it should be considered investigational pending validation in symptomatic populations and correlation with clinical outcomes.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.