The hip joint is a ball and socket joint where the top of the thigh bone (femur) and pelvis meet. This joint is typically very stable, but can still get injured especially at the labrum. The labrum is a cuff of cartilage that forms a ring around the edge of the hip socket (acetabulum). This cartilage tissue lacks good blood supply, therefore, does not heal well following injury. Labral tears can be a result of a sudden trauma (eg – car accident or a fall), repetitive movements during exercise or athletics, or can be degenerative over a period of time due to FAI or OA.
Symptoms of a labral tear include: pain in the groin area or along the front of the hip, catching or clicking with movement, difficulty sitting, walking or squatting due to weakness and/or pain. Diagnostic imaging such as an x-ray or MRI can help to identify the location and extent of injury to the bony and soft tissue structures of the hip joint.
Treatment for a labral tear can be non-surgical or surgical. Pain symptoms can be managed with cold packs, NSAIDs, and rest. Physical therapy treatment focuses on optimizing the mobility and strength/stability of the hip joint and lower body to reduce abnormal forces to the hip joint. If symptoms persist, then your doctor may recommend a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation. Arthroscopic hip surgery for a labral tear can vary from a debridement to cut out the torn part(s) of the labrum to a labral repair using anchors and sutures. In cases where the labrum damage is extensive, a labral reconstruction using a tissue graft may be considered. Several other factors also influence what the best course of treatment is, including: the patient’s age, amount of OA in the hip joint, lifestyle, weight, nicotine use, and severity of pain symptoms.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about this topic, contact the therapy professionals at ProActive Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine for help.