Hip Labral Tear
A hip labral tear is damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that lines the rim of the hip socket. The labrum acts as a seal, keeping the ball of the thigh bone firmly within the hip socket. Labral tears are increasingly recognized in active adults and athletes, particularly those involved in sports requiring repetitive hip rotation — but can also occur from structural abnormalities like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
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Symptoms
- Pain in the groin or front of the hip
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or walking
- A clicking, locking, or catching sensation in the hip
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Pain during or after athletic activity
- A feeling of hip instability
When to See a Doctor
See a hip specialist if you have persistent groin or hip pain lasting more than a few weeks, especially with a clicking sensation or pain that worsens with sitting. Hip labral tears can worsen over time without treatment.
Treatment Options
Physical therapy
Hip strengthening and stability exercises to reduce stress on the labrum. Often the first line of treatment.
Anti-inflammatory medication
NSAIDs to manage pain and swelling during the acute phase.
Corticosteroid injection
Injection into the hip joint to reduce inflammation and provide diagnostic confirmation.
Hip arthroscopy
Minimally invasive surgery to repair or trim the torn labrum and address any underlying impingement. Recommended when conservative treatment fails.
Recovery Timeline
Physical therapy: improvement in 8-12 weeks. Hip arthroscopy: crutches for 2-4 weeks, physical therapy for 4-6 months, return to sport at 4-6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a hip labral tear heal without surgery?
Many hip labral tears respond to physical therapy and injections. Surgery is not always necessary. However, large tears, tears with mechanical symptoms (locking/catching), or tears associated with structural abnormalities like FAI often require arthroscopic surgery for lasting relief.
How is a hip labral tear diagnosed?
MRI with contrast (MR arthrogram) is the most accurate test for diagnosing labral tears. A physical exam with specific hip impingement tests (FADIR test) is also informative. X-rays can identify associated structural problems like FAI.
What type of doctor treats hip labral tears?
Orthopaedic surgeons specializing in hip preservation or sports medicine are best equipped to diagnose and treat hip labral tears, including hip arthroscopy.
Related Specialty
Hip Specialists →Hip Labral Tear by State
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.