Hip Labral Tears

A hip labral tear is a medical condition that involves damage to the labrum of the hip joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the outer rim of the hip socket (acetabulum) and helps provide stability and cushioning to the joint. A tear in the hip labrum can cause pain and discomfort in the hip and may limit the range of motion.

Causes of hip labral tears can include:

1.  Trauma: Direct injury or impact to the hip joint can cause a labral tear.
2. Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve repetitive hip motions or extreme ranges of motion can lead to labral tears over time.
3. Structural Abnormalities: Some individuals may have structural abnormalities in their hip joint, such as hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement), which can increase the risk of labral tears.

Symptoms of a hip labral tear may include:

• Hip pain or aching deep typically felt in the groin area.
• A feeling of catching or locking in the hip.
• Limited range of motion in the hip.
• Hip stiffness.
• Clicking or popping sensations in the hip.
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or activities.

Treatment

Treatment for a hip labral tear depends on the severity of the tear and the individual’s symptoms. Here are some common approaches to managing hip labral tears:

1. Conservative Treatment:
   – Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms.
   – Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen hip muscles and improve joint stability.
   – Pain management: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
2. Injections:
   – Corticosteroid injections: These can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain temporarily.
   – Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: Some individuals may benefit from PRP to promote healing.
3. Surgical Intervention:
   – Arthroscopy: If conservative measures fail to provide relief, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. During this minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon repairs the damaged labrum.
   – Labral reconstruction: In severe cases where the labrum cannot be repaired, a surgeon may perform a labral reconstruction using graft tissue.

Recovery and rehabilitation after surgery can take several months, and it is essential to follow the recommended post-operative rehabilitation program to regain strength and function in the hip.

The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the extent of the tear, the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health. At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine we have orthopedic specialists to diagnose and treat your hip pathology from conservative treatment including minimally invasive injections to surgical correction of the pain causing lesion.