In a prospective 3-year study herniography was used to assess patients with unexplained groin pain in whom clinical signs were inconclusive. Fifty-two patients were studied. No serious complications were observed. Twenty-two hernias were identified in 18 patients. The positive herniographic findings were confirmed at operation in 12 patients. Of 34 patients with a negative herniogram, none has developed a hernia. Pain settled spontaneously in 29 patients and five were referred to a pain clinic for further management.