Hip Labral Tears FAQs

Hip labral tears can result from a variety of causes, including trauma or injury to the hip joint, overuse, misuse, aging and labral degeneration, hip dysplasia, and repetitive movements that put stress on the joint.  The most common cause is hip impingement, a structural abnormality in which there is an improper fit between the ball of the femur (thigh bone) and the socket of the hip joint. This can lead to excessive friction during hip movement, which over time can cause damage to the labrum.

Common symptoms of a hip labral tear include pain in the hip or groin area, a clicking or catching sensation in the hip joint, limited range of motion, stiffness, and a feeling of instability in the hip. The pain of a labral tear can also interfere with sleep, prolonged sitting, sexual activity, and recreational sports.

Engaging in certain activities that involve repetitive hip movements or put stress on the hip joint can potentially exacerbate a hip labral tear or lead to increased discomfort. Activities that can make a tear worse include any high impact movements like running and jumping especially on hard surfaces, deep squatting, hip twisting movements, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting or standing, contact sports and cycling.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of a focused physical examination with expert hip specialists at LALL Orthopedics ⁺, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and sometimes diagnostic injections to pinpoint the source of pain and assess the condition of the labrum.

Hip labral tears cannot heal on their own. They often require conservative management options such as physical therapy and regenerative medicine injections with Stem-Cell or Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP). However, more severe hip labral tears often require surgical intervention.

Yes, it can lead to additional hip injury, joint instability, cartilage damage, osteoarthritis and eventually the need for hip replacement.

Hip labral tears often require conservative management options such as physical therapy and regenerative medicine injections with Stem-Cell or Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP). However, more severe hip labral tears often require surgical intervention.

Surgical treatment is minimally invasive hip arthroscopy. It involves using small incisions and specialized tools to repair or remove the torn labrum. You hip surgeon at LALL Orthopedics + may also address any other issues discovered during hip arthroscopy.

Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery, but patients generally participate in physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the hip. Full recovery can take several months. It is important to follow your hip surgeon and physical therapist’s instructions for rehabilitation.

If left untreated, hip labral tears can potentially lead to chronic pain, hip joint instability, and increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in the hip joint over time.

Prevention strategies include maintaining good hip joint health through regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, using proper form during physical activities, and avoiding excessive repetitive movements that can strain the hip joint. Patients may also benefit from preventative treatment options such as physical therapy and regenerative medicine injections with Stem-Cell or Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP).