Hip Labral Repair
Hip labral repair is an arthroscopic procedure to fix a torn or damaged labrum — the ring of cartilage that lines the outer rim of the hip socket. The labrum acts like a seal, keeping the ball of the femur seated in the socket and distributing load evenly across the joint. When it tears, usually from a structural mismatch called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or from repetitive stress, patients get deep groin pain, clicking, and a feeling that the hip is locking or catching. Labral repair addresses the tear directly rather than simply removing the tissue.
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Who Needs Hip Labral Repair?
Hip labral repair is most often recommended for active patients — typically between 18 and 50 — with a confirmed labral tear on MRI arthrogram who have not improved after at least 3 months of physical therapy. Many also have femoroacetabular impingement (a cam or pincer bone deformity) that is corrected at the same time. Older patients or those with significant arthritis may not be good candidates, since the arthroscopy is unlikely to change the underlying joint deterioration.
What to Expect
Recovery Timeline
Crutches, limited weight bearing. Passive range-of-motion exercises only. Ice and elevation to manage swelling.
Transition to full weight bearing as tolerated. Physical therapy begins with hip strengthening and gait training.
Progressive strengthening of hip abductors, external rotators, and core. Stationary biking typically allowed.
Light jogging if strength and mechanics are adequate. Continued PT focus on movement quality.
Return to sport-specific activity. Most recreational athletes return to sport by 5-6 months.
Full recovery and maximum strength. Long-term outcomes are good when FAI is also corrected.
Risks & Complications
- Persistent pain (more likely if significant arthritis was present pre-operatively)
- Re-tear of repaired labrum
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (rare)
- Nerve injury from traction positioning (usually temporary)
- Heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone formation)
- Fluid extravasation into surrounding tissues (uncommon)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hip labral repair surgery take?
The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours arthroscopically. If FAI correction is also performed, add 30-60 minutes. Most patients are home the same day.
What is the success rate of hip labral repair?
Good to excellent outcomes are reported in 70-90% of appropriately selected patients. The biggest predictor of a bad outcome is proceeding with the surgery when there is underlying arthritis — the labral repair cannot fix a worn-out joint.
Can the labrum re-tear after repair?
Yes, though it is uncommon when the underlying impingement is also corrected. Re-tear rates are higher when the bony FAI deformity is left untreated, because the same mechanical force that originally caused the tear is still present.
Find a surgeon for Hip Labral Repair
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Search surgeonsEstimated Cost
$15,000 - $30,000 (before insurance). Covered by most insurance when conservative treatment has failed and imaging confirms the tear.
Full cost breakdownRelated Specialty
Hip Specialists →Other Procedures
This information is for educational purposes only. Costs are estimates and vary by location, surgeon, and insurance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.