Tenotomy of the adductor longus tendon in the treatment of chronic groin pain in athletes.

Eighteen tenotomies of the adductor longus tendon were performed in 16 consecutive male athletes (aged 20 to 42) as treatment for chronic groin pain. The criteria for surgery was a history of long-standing (range, 2.5 to 48 months) and distinct pain at the origin of the adductor longus muscle, refractory to conservative treatment. At followup 35 months (range, 4 to 84) after surgery, all patients were improved or free of symptoms. All but 1 of the athletes returned to the same sport within a mean of 6.6 weeks, and 12 of 16 returned to competitive sports within a mean of 14 weeks after surgery. A majority of the patients (10 of 16) returned to full athletic activity, whereas 5 of 16 performed at a reduced level. One patient discontinued his sports activity due to other causes. In conclusion, when conservative treatment fails, tenotomy of the adductor longus tendon gives good long-term functional results in the treatment of chronic groin pain that is localized at the origin of the adductor longus muscle. A decreased muscle strength was observed in this study and did not seem to influence participation in sports.