Hip Labral Tear
What is a Labral Tear?
A labral tear in the hip is a common injury, particularly among athletes. It occurs when the labrum, a ring of cartilage that supports the hip joint, is damaged. Causes often include repetitive motion or trauma, such as a hip dislocation. While labral tears can occur in anyone, they are more frequently seen in women and athletes engaged in sports requiring repetitive hip flexion or sudden impacts, such as cycling, gymnastics, tennis, soccer, and football.
Age and underlying conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)—a condition where the labrum becomes pinched—and osteoarthritis also increase the risk. Additionally, congenital deformities of the hip joint can predispose individuals to labral tears. With aging, cartilage weakens, making the labrum more susceptible to tears.
Without timely medical care, a labral tear may lead to gait abnormalities and chronic hip pain, raising the likelihood of long-term hip complications.
The hip labrum is a critical structure in the hip joint. This cartilage ring encircles the rim of the acetabulum (hip socket), helping to:
- Deepen the socket for stability.
- Secure the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone (femur).
- Protect the joint surfaces during movement.
The labrum’s design allows for a wide range of hip motion, but its limited blood supply hinders its ability to heal naturally.
A torn hip labrum can cause significant pain and dysfunction. Symptoms may include:
- Pain and Irritation: Localized in the hip joint, often radiating to the groin or buttocks. Research shows that approximately 22% of athletes with groin pain may have a labral tear.
- Activity-Related Worsening: Pain intensifies with weight-bearing activities like walking or standing, as well as with hip flexion during sitting or stair climbing.
- Stiffness and Limited Motion: Affected individuals often notice reduced hip flexibility and stiffness.
- Clicking or Catching Sensation: Some may feel the joint clicking or catching during movement, along with instability or a sensation of the hip “giving way.”
- Secondary Pain: Over time, altered gait due to the injury can cause discomfort in the lower back, knees, or ankles.
If untreated, the instability in the hip joint may worsen, leading to further complications.
Diagnosing a labral tear begins with a comprehensive physical examination and symptom review. Dr. Mark Cinque, an experienced orthopedic specialist, often asks about activities that provoke hip pain and evaluates the hip’s range of motion through active and passive movements. Advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans, are typically used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the damage to the labrum and surrounding structures.
While not all labral tears are preventable, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of chronic hip problems. Regular strength and flexibility training, proper warm-ups before activities, and avoiding repetitive strain can help maintain hip health.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Cinque is a sports medicine surgeon in San Diego, California who specializes in the treatment of complex hip injuries. He has spent time training at The Steadman Clinic and Stanford Orthopaedic Surgery. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and has presented research internationally. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.
At a Glance
Mark Cinque, MD
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon
- Orthopedic Residency: Stanford University, Fellowship: The Steadman Clinic
- Authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications
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