Labral Tears

Hip injuries, such as labral tears, can happen from sports, repetitive movement, or everyday activities. Our orthopedic specialists are here to help you find answers, relieve your pain, and guide you toward a safe return to your normal daily activities.

Labral Tears

Office Hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Introduction

A hip labral tear occurs when the ring of cartilage (called the labrum) that lines the socket of the hip joint becomes damaged. The labrum helps keep the hip stable and cushions the joint. Tears can result from repetitive movements, structural abnormalities, or trauma, and they can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Early recognition and treatment can help prevent further joint damage.

What Are the Symptoms of Labral Tears?

Deep groin or hip pain, especially with activity
A clicking, locking, or catching sensation in the hip
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Pain when sitting for long periods or during certain movements
Discomfort that worsens with running, twisting, or pivoting

How Do I Know if I Have a Labral Tear?

Diagnosis usually involves a combination of a physical exam and imaging tests. Your doctor may:

Ask about your symptoms and activities that trigger pain
Perform maneuvers that stress the hip to see if they reproduce pain or clicking
Order imaging tests such as MRI or MR arthrogram to confirm the tear and evaluate its severity

Treatments for Labral Tears

Treatment depends on the severity of the tear and your symptoms:

Non-surgical care: Rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and improve hip function.
Surgical treatment: If conservative measures fail, hip arthroscopy may be recommended to repair or remove the torn labrum and smooth the joint surfaces. Surgery aims to relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent further joint damage.

References

Robertson WJ, Kadrmas WR, Kelly BT. Arthroscopic Management of Labral Tears in the Hip: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2007;455:88-92. doi:10.1097/BLO.0b013e31802c7e0f.

Domb BG, Hartigan DE, Perets I. Decision Making for Labral Treatment in the Hip: Repair Versus Débridement Versus Reconstruction. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2017;25(3):e53-e62. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00144.

Maldonado DR, Monahan PF, Domb BG. Restoration of Labral Function in Primary Hip Arthroscopy From Labral Repair to Labral Reconstruction. Arthroscopy. 2021;37(10):3013-3015. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2021.08.003.