Hip Labral Tear
Hip Labral Tear
A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that covers the acetabulum. The labrum helps the femoral head move smoothly within the socket, cushions the hip joint and acts as a seal, keeping the ball and socket together but not touching.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
It is possible that you may have a hip labral tear with no symptoms at all. However, should you experience some symptoms, these include:
- Hip pain or stiffness and limited range of motion
- Hip pain or discomfort that worsens when you bend, move or rotate the hip
- Pain in the hip groin or buttocks area that is worsened if you stand, sit or walk for long periods of time
- A clicking or locking sensation in the hip area when you move
- Feeling unsteady on your feet
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS?
Hip labral tears can be caused by a few things. This includes:
- Injury
Injury to the hip joint, or even dislocation can occur during car accidents or from playing contact sports such as football or hockey, which can result in a hip labral tear.
- Structural abnormalities
Some people are born with hip structural problems which results in greater wear and tear of the joint, and eventually cause a hip labral tear.
- Repetitive motions
Activities that involve repetitive motions of the hip, such as sports (golf, running) and other physical activities can lead to joint wear and tear that ultimately result in a hip labral tear.
WHAT IS THE DIAGNOSIS?
A history of the injury and a physical examination will be conducted by the Doctor. During the physical examination, the doctor will examine your leg and the range of motion.
Imaging tests may be taken, such as an x-ray and MRI scan to help the doctor see where the labral tear is and confirm the diagnosis.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Typically, nonsurgical treatments are sufficient to treat a labral tear. These include:
- Over-the-counter and anti-inflammatory pain medications such as ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation
- Steroid injections such as corticosteroid directly into the hip joint to relief pain
- Physiotherapy to help regain muscle strength and restore range of motion in the hip
If the tear is severe and nonsurgical treatments fail to help improve your situation, surgery may be recommended.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS AFTER SURGERY?
If you had surgery done for your hip labral tear, most people will fully recover within 4 to 6 months and can often return to daily physical activities.