A consensus conference held by the British Hernia Society concludes that a sports hernia should be called inguinal disruption since no true hernia exists, and recommends taking a multidisciplinary approach to a disruption’s repair and management.

Fremont, CA -- (SBWire) -- 01/24/2014 --The British Hernia Society invited sports hernia diagnosis and management experts to contribute to a consensus conference held in October 2012. A physiotherapist, a musculoskeletal radiologist and 150 surgeons were on hand to present and share their individual experiences with sports hernias. Following the conference, the Society concluded that a sports hernia should be referred to as an inguinal disruption (ID) because no true hernia is present in this common condition afflicting athletes.

"Having diagnosed and repaired inguinal disruptions (sports hernias) in athletes for many years now, I am particularly pleased with the Society’s decision to change the way we refer to this condition. Many of my patients have suffered from groin pain for far too long, having been misdiagnosed and mistreated previously since this injury often doesn’t present with traditional hernia symptoms, mainly a bulge in the muscle. The society’s decision to refer to sports hernias as inguinal disruptions will make a measurable impact on the way physicians diagnose and treat this injury. My hope is that it sheds light on the subject for the medical profession, and consequently leads to sooner treatment and proper care," states Dr. William Brown, who specializes in inguinal disruptions.

While the Society’s Consensus Statement recognizes the need for additional research for best recommendations in managing inguinal disruptions, it does clarify and substantiate what experts like Dr. Brown have known for some time. Specifically that ID is a real injury common to athletes and can be described as severe pain in the inguinal area near the groin area. ID can present immediately without any other symptoms attributing to the injury.

The Statement also concedes that ID remains a complex subject in sports medicine given the differing opinions on correct diagnosis and treatment. However, bringing ID experts together to discuss and debate the issue at consensus meetings like this one held in Manchester, UK will make strides toward better treatment protocols and full recoveries for those athletes whose lives and athletic performance are impacted by ID.

About Dr. William Brown
Dr. William Brown is considered one of the country’s foremost experts in sports hernia repair. Dr. Brown has been performing sports hernia surgeries and providing specialized rehabilitation programs since 1999. His clients include the San Jose Sharks, San Jose Sabercats, the San Jose Earthquakes sports teams, as well as clients from around the world. Dr. Brown has offices located in Fremont, Monterey and Palo Alto, California. To learn more about his approach to repairing sports hernias, please visit http://www.sportshernia.com