Why does it occur?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that is surrounded by a stabilizing cartilage/ligament called the labrum. A labrum tear may result from hip arthritis, femoral-acetabular impingement, overuse/wear-and-tear of the hip, or from a specific trauma.  Patients with acute pain most commonly present with a history of activity that involves hip flexion or sudden hip movement(s). Athletes most commonly affected by labral tears include hockey players, runners, golfers, or soccer players.

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Symptoms:

Patients with a Hip Labral Tear often present with pain at the inner hip or groin that may be accompanied by a clicking or snapping sensation. Pain is typically made worse with hip flexion and/or rotation of the hip causing pain to the inner hip/groin area.  Patients may also present with stiffness of the hip joint and pain made worse with hip rotation.

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Diagnostic Testing:

Dr. Lee will usually recommend an X-ray to assess your hip joint.  An X-ray can help assess if you have any impingement, hip arthritis, or bony deformities.  An MRI may be ordered to assess the labrum to determine whether or not a labral tear exists, and the extent of the damage.

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Treatment Options:

Treatment for Hip Labral Tears vary depending on the severity and how symptomatic they are to the patient.  First, it is important to back down on the offending activity such as running, kicking, jumping, or cycling. Icing and NSAIDs such as Advil or Aleve (if not contraindicated) may be advised to reduce inflammation in the area.  Physical Therapy may be a useful part of treatment as well and is typically ordered by Dr. Lee.  If the hip pain is severe, the labral tear is significant, or if the patient fails to improve with non-operative treatment, then surgery may be advised.

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Surgical Treatment:

 

Surgery for a hip labral tear is typically reserved for patients that have failed non-operative treatments, have severe tears, or mechanical symptoms in patients who do not already have significant arthritis of the hip.  Minimally invasive surgery via a hip arthroscopy may be advised.  Surgery is designed to either debride (remove torn aspects of the labrum) or to repair the labrum. This will depend on the location and size of your specific labral tear.

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*It is important to note that all of the information above is not specific to anyone and is subject to change based on many different factors including but not limited to individual patient, diagnosis, and treatment specific variables. It is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific orthopedic advice or assistance should consult Dr. Steven Lee or an orthopedic specialist of your choice.

 

*Dr. Steven Lee is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and is double fellowship trained in the areas of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, and Sports Medicine. He has offices in New York City, Scarsdale, and Westbury Long Island.