What is ACNES?
Also known as a trapped or pinched nerve, acute cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome, or ACNES, can occur in the lower abdomen, or groin and cause groin pain.
A tear in the external oblique fascia or nearby scar tissue can trap or pinch a nearby or penetrating unnamed nerve branch. The pain is usually constant, and worse when the spot of the pain location is pressed on or with certain movements. The pain can radiate or be in one spot.
Imaging is usually normal.
Work up and Management
Injections with numbing medicine will help temporarily.
Treatment can be with nerve ablation by a pain management specialist , or with surgery by a general or neurosurgeon.
Watch Dr. Jacob discuss ACNES and its role in the large differential diagnosis list of causes of groin pain:
