Groin Ultrasound

High resolution ultrasound now has a significant role in imaging of groin pain and groin masses.

Soft tissue disorders that can be imaged include:

1. Athletic osteitis pubis

2. Conjoint tendon or adductor origin injury

3. Inguinal or femoral hernia

4. Iliopsoas tendinitis / bursitis

5. Anterior acetabular labral tear

Groin pain can have many causes. Therefore ultrasound should not be performed or interpreted in isolation. At a minimum the work-up should include a plain radiograph to rule out unsuspected bone lesions.

Ultrasound is proving particularly useful as a non-invasive alternative to herniography in diagnosing inguinal or femoral hernias. Herniography requires percutaneous intraperitoneal injection of contrast material.

Groin ultrasound is an operator dependent and complex examination usually requiring between 10 to 15 minutes of time and needs to be booked separately rather than added onto a pelvis or abdomen ultrasound booking.

David Kerr
Musculoskeletal Radiologist
CHRISTCHURCH RADIOLOGY GROUP