Doha Agreement on Groin Pain

The Doha Agreement on Groin Pain: An Overview for Athletes

Athletes who experience groin pain understand how debilitating it can be. It affects performance and can even lead to the end of a career if left untreated. Fortunately, experts have gathered to establish the Doha Agreement on Groin Pain – a consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of groin pain in athletes.

What is the Doha Agreement on Groin Pain?

The Doha Agreement on Groin Pain is a set of guidelines developed by a panel of international experts in sports medicine, including orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, and physiotherapists. The purpose of the agreement is to establish a clear and standardized approach to the diagnosis and management of groin pain in athletes.

The agreement was first introduced in 2015 and has been updated since then to account for new research and developments in the field of sports medicine.

How does the Doha Agreement help athletes?

The Doha Agreement helps athletes by providing a clear and evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of groin pain. It establishes a set of criteria for diagnosing certain types of groin pain, such as adductor-related groin pain, iliopsoas-related groin pain, and inguinal-related groin pain. This helps ensure that athletes receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The agreement also emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of groin pain. This means that athletes should receive care from a team of healthcare professionals, including orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, and physiotherapists.

What are some of the key recommendations in the Doha Agreement?

Some of the key recommendations in the Doha Agreement include:

1. A clear and accurate diagnosis. The agreement emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis, using a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and functional testing, where necessary.

2. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Athletes should receive care from a team of healthcare professionals, including orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, and physiotherapists.

3. Conservative treatment options. Athletes should be offered a range of conservative treatment options, including physiotherapy, injections, and activity modification, before considering surgical intervention.

4. Surgical options. Surgery should only be considered after conservative treatment options have been exhausted, and in cases where there is clear evidence of structural damage.

5. Graduated return to sport. Athletes should gradually return to sport under the guidance of their healthcare team. This ensures that they do not return to full activity too soon and risk re-injury.

In conclusion, the Doha Agreement on Groin Pain is a valuable resource for athletes who experience groin pain. It provides a clear and standardized approach to the diagnosis and management of this condition, ensuring that athletes receive accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. By following the recommendations set out in the agreement, athletes can return to sport safely and without fear of re-injury.