Labral Tears

Overview

A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the soft tissue ring that encircles the acetabulum (socket) of the hip. A hip labral tear can be caused by injury, structural problems, or degenerative issues.

Symptoms of a labral tear include:

• Hip pain or stiffness
• Pain in the groin or buttocks area
• A clicking or locking sound in the hip area when you move
• Discomfort may get worse when you bend or rotate the hip
• It's also possible to have a hip labral tear with no symptoms at all

Diagnosis

To diagnose a hip labral tear, the doctor will do a physical examination. During the exam, the doctor may ask you to move your leg or walk around. The exam and any pain you feel while moving can help the doctor with the diagnosis.

X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also help determine whether you have labral tear.

Treatment Options

A hip labral tear won't heal on its own, but rest, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, and physical therapy can help manage symptoms in some cases. In other cases, surgery is needed to repair or reconstruct the labrum and fix any underlying structural abnormality that may have caused the labral tear. In addition to repairing the labrum, the bones are reshaped so that they fit together smoothly. This can improve the hip joint’s function and relieve pain caused by the impingement between these bones. Because this impingement can also cause progressive damage to the joint’s cartilage and lead to the development of hip osteoarthritis, surgery can help to ensure long-term hip joint health.

Physical Therapy

Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength in your hip and to restore range of motion. After your procedure, you may need to use crutches for a time.