Hip Labral Tear
Injury to the cartilage ring in the hip joint, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility
A hip labral tear involves damage to the labrum, the cartilage ring surrounding the hip socket that stabilises the joint. Tears can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, and they often interfere with daily activities and athletic performance. Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic provides expert diagnosis and treatment for hip labral tears to restore joint health and improve mobility.
On this page, you’ll learn about:
Causes Of Hip Labral Tear
Hip labral tears may develop from overuse, injury, or structural issues in the hip joint.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive Motion: Frequent twisting, pivoting, or bending movements (often seen in sports like soccer, hockey, and running) can put strain on the labrum, leading to tears.
- Trauma or Injury: Sudden impact injuries, such as falls or accidents, can cause the labrum to tear.
- Structural Abnormalities: Conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – an abnormal shape of the hip bone – can create excess friction, increasing the risk of labral tears over time.
- Degenerative Changes: Aging or arthritis can weaken the labrum, making it more susceptible to tears.
Symptoms Of Hip Labral Tear
Symptoms of a hip labral tear vary but often interfere with movement and comfort, especially during activities. Common symptoms include:
- Hip Pain: Pain is often felt in the groin area, though it can also spread to the thigh or buttock. Pain may worsen with prolonged sitting, walking, or twisting movements.
- Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion: You may notice stiffness in the hip joint or difficulty moving it fully, especially during activities like running or bending.
- Clicking, Locking, or Catching Sensation: The hip may feel like it “catches” or produces a clicking sound, especially with specific movements.
- Pain with Physical Activity: Pain may increase with physical activity, especially during high-impact exercises or prolonged standing.
Diagnosis Of Hip Labral Tear
At Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic, diagnosing a hip labral tear involves a combination of physical examination and imaging tests to determine the extent and location of the tear. Key diagnostic steps include:
- Physical Examination: A physical exam assesses hip mobility, strength, and pain points. Your doctor may perform specific manoeuvres to detect signs of a labral tear.
- MRI Scan: An MRI is often used to confirm the presence of a labral tear and evaluate the condition of surrounding tissues.
- Hip Arthroscopy: In some cases, a minimally invasive procedure called hip arthroscopy is used to examine the joint directly, providing detailed insights into the tear.
Hip Labral Tear Treatment Options
Treatment for hip labral tears focuses on alleviating symptoms, restoring joint function, and preventing further damage. Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options based on the severity of your symptoms.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
For many, hip labral tears can be managed effectively with non-surgical approaches, including:
- Physiotherapy: A tailored physical therapy program strengthens the muscles around the hip, improving stability and reducing pain.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the hip joint.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding high-impact activities or those that worsen symptoms can protect the joint and reduce discomfort.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain, helping with mobility and function.
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
If non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful or if the tear is significant, surgical options may be considered, including:
- Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Repair: In minimally invasive arthroscopy, the surgeon repairs or removes the damaged portion of the labrum. This surgery can relieve symptoms and improve stability.
- Labral Reconstruction: For severe or irreparable tears, a labral reconstruction may be performed to restore hip stability. In this procedure, tissue from a graft is used to reconstruct the labrum.
At Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic, we understand the impact hip labral tears have on mobility and quality of life. With expert care and a personalised approach, our goal is to alleviate pain, restore function, and support a full return to activity. Our team is here to guide you through the best treatment options for lasting relief and recovery.
