Signs and Symptoms Of a Hip Labral Tear

By William R. Mook, MD

OrthoVirginia

. https://www.orthovirginia.com/

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Signs and Symptoms Of a Hip Labral Tear

A hip labral tear is an injury to the ring of soft elastic tissue, called the labrum, which surrounds the hip socket. The labrum provides stability to the hip joint through a suction seal, and is also responsible for force dissipation and cartilage health.

There are two types of hip labral tears. Acute tears result from direct trauma in a sports injury, fall or accident. They often occur with hip dislocation or partial dislocation and cause immediate, severe pain in the hip. A degenerative tear is more subtle. It's a chronic injury caused by repetitive use and activity. Degenerative tears are commonly seen in the early stages of hip arthritis. If you have this type of tear you might feel pain in the groin area rather than the lateral side of your hip. Or you could experience clicking, snapping or limited range of motion in the hip joint.

Orthopedic surgeons are experts at identifying and treating hip labral tears. In addition to a physical exam, the use of high resolution MRI can confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the tear.

Not all labral tears require surgery. Some respond well to conservative treatment such as rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or cortisone injections. If symptoms persist, a hip arthroscopy may be necessary.

In this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions around the hip joint and inserts a narrow fiber optic scope to examine the labrum. Tiny instruments are used to remove frayed edges or repair torn tissue.

Arthroscopic repair of labral injuries allows surgeons a full view of the hip without having to cut through nerves or muscles. Patients experience less pain and blood loss, fewer complications and a faster recovery typically within six to 12 weeks.