Diagnostic methods used in the clinical examination of 207 consecutive athletes with groin pain
| Region | Diagnostic methods | |
|---|---|---|
| Groin area in general | Inspection and palpation21 | |
| Iliopsoas and rectus femoris | Palpation,42 testing against resistance,22 Thomas’ test for flexibility and pain with passive stretching,23,42 and extension test for snapping psoas24 | |
| Sartorius and quadriceps femoris | Palpation and testing against resistance23 | |
| Adductors and rectus abdominis | Palpation of muscle bellies, tendons and insertions, testing against resistance and test for flexibility and pain with passive stretching23,25,42 | |
| Piriformis | Palpation, and test for flexibility and pain with passive stretching23 | |
| Area above the inguinal ligament and the inguinal canal | Inspection, palpation for tenderness and/or a cough impulse, in the standing and lying positions26–28 | |
| Spine | Range of motion, palpation, skin-rolling test and springing test29,30 | |
| Sacroiliac joints | Patrick’s test, Gillet’s test, sacroiliac joint shear test and forward-bending test30–32 | |
| Hip joints | Range of motion and pain in the positions of maximal range of motion | |
| Pelvis | Palpation of pubic symphysis,42 arches and tubercles | |
| Neurology | Sensibility test, palpation for nerve entrapment33–36 | |
| Others | Palpation of the prostate,37–39 scrotum, sacrotuberal ligament40 and pelvic floor41 |