Groin pain

'Groin pain' is a very imprecise term applied to pain syndromes originating from numerous anatomical and pathological situations. This paper draws a distinction between three main classes. Stress is laid on the pathogenetic moment. Classification of groin pain is attempted, since its cause and origin are becoming increasingly clarified and specified. Diagnosis and selection of the most appropriate instrumental examination are based on the anamnesis and clinical investigation. Nonoperative management is the initial approach. Its failure opens the way to surgery tailored to the type of lesion involved.