Hip Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the rim of the hip socket (acetabulum). It acts as a seal to help stabilize the hip joint and protect the cartilage lining. When the labrum becomes torn, it can lead to hip pain, clicking or catching sensations, and feelings of instability.

Labral tears are a common cause of hip pain, especially in young, active individuals. Early recognition and proper treatment can help preserve the hip joint and prevent further damage.

What is the Labrum?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, with the femoral head (ball) fitting into the acetabulum (socket). The labrum is a fibrocartilage ring that:

• Deepens the socket to provide stability

• Seals the joint to help maintain fluid pressure and smooth movement

• Protects the cartilage lining by distributing forces across the joint

When the labrum is torn, it compromises the joint seal and can lead to mechanical symptoms and increased stress on the cartilage.

What Causes Labral Tears?

Labral tears can result from several factors:

• Structural abnormalities:

  • Hip dysplasia: Shallow socket increases stress on the labrum.

  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): Abnormal contact between the ball and socket can pinch and damage the labrum.

• Repetitive stress:
  Sports or activities involving twisting, pivoting, or hip rotation (such as hockey, soccer, or dance).

• Acute injury:
  A fall or sudden twisting motion can cause a tear.

• Degeneration over time:
  Age-related wear and tear can lead to labral damage, especially in combination with other joint abnormalities.

Labral tears often occur alongside cartilage damage, contributing to pain and dysfunction.

Symptoms of a Labral Tear

Common symptoms include:

• Deep groin pain, sometimes radiating to the side or back of the hip

• Catching, clicking, or locking sensations during movement

• Stiffness or reduced hip motion

• Pain with prolonged sitting, walking, or sports

• A feeling of instability or weakness in the hip

Symptoms can develop gradually or after an injury.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves:

• History and physical examination:
  Specific tests reproduce hip pain or mechanical symptoms.

• Imaging:
  MRI arthrogram (MRI with dye injected into the joint) is the most accurate way to visualize labral tears and assess associated cartilage damage.

Accurate diagnosis is important for choosing the right treatment approach.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and underlying structural factors.

• Non-Surgical Management:

  • Activity modification to reduce painful movements

  • Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve hip mechanics

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Injections for pain relief and to confirm the source of symptoms

• Surgical Management:

  • Hip arthroscopy is the most common surgical option.

  • During arthroscopy:

    • The torn labrum is repaired with sutures and anchors to restore its seal.

    • Any bony abnormalities causing impingement are reshaped.

    • Associated cartilage damage may also be addressed.

  • In cases where the labrum cannot be repaired, selective debridement (removal of damaged tissue) or reconstruction with graft tissue may be performed.

Surgery aims to relieve pain, restore function, and preserve the hip joint.

Recovery and Outlook

• Non-Surgical:
  Symptoms may improve over time with therapy and activity modification, especially in mild cases.

• Surgical:
  Recovery after hip arthroscopy includes:

  • Protected weight-bearing early in recovery

  • Gradual progression through physical therapy to restore motion and strength

  • Return to full activity typically around 4–6 months, depending on the extent of the procedure

Addressing underlying issues, such as impingement or dysplasia, is critical for a successful outcome.

Conclusion

Labral tears are a common cause of hip pain and dysfunction. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can relieve symptoms, restore activity levels, and protect the hip joint from further damage.

If you are experiencing hip pain or mechanical symptoms, contact our office for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.