Athletic Pubalgia Management and Return to Play in Competitive Athletes: A Systematic Review of Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Approaches

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate relevant literature to determine if either surgical treatment or non-surgical treatment is more effective in treating athletic pubalgia and returning athletes to their sports quickly. Methods. Studies found through PubMed and CINAHL databases were reviewed to determine the most effective treatment methods for athletic pubalgia and associated pain. Results. The review of these articles did not consistently suggest that one type of treatment plan for athletic pubalgia is better than the other. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments showed they are viable in treating athletic pubalgia. Alternative treatments like PRP injections or radiofrequency denervation have shown some effectiveness in returning athletes to sport. Conclusions. In this review, there was no consistent evidence favoring one approach over another for treating athletic pubalgia. Both conservative care and surgery show potential, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans focused on patient-specific needs.