Northern Hip & Groin Institute
Acute adductor injury
An acute adductor strain usually occurs during sportive activities - kicking a ball or stretching out the leg. A sharp pain is felt on the inside of the leg and a bruising can occur. In the majority of cases the tissues tear at the musculo tendinous junction. Ultrasound or MRI can be used to localise the tear and to determine its extend.
Treatment consists of relative rest. Ice packs and gentle stretching can be started soon. Once the patient is more comfortable a strengthening program and walking can be initiated followed by gentle running. Return to sports is usually possible within 3 - 6 weeks.
In our experience an avulsion of the adductor longus muscle can be an indication for surgery. The picture illustrates the surgical treatment. Suture anchors (red arrow) were used to re-fix the tendon to the bone.
Even with non-operative management the recovery time is about 3 months in these cases. The athlete could be left with reduced strength. There is scientific evidence that strengthening the adductors before the season significantly reduces the risks of acute injury.
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