Hip Labral Tear – Hip anatomy: The hip joint (ball-and-socket joint) is composed of the rounded top of the thigh bone (the femoral head) and the bowel shaped indentation in the pelvis (the acetabulum). Located on the outer side of the joint where the two bones meet, the labrum forms a tight seal around the joint and helps keep the “ball” part of the femur in place.
The acetabulum is the socket of the hip joint where the femur (thigh bone) sits. The acetabulum is lined with a ring of cartilage (labrum) that acts as a cushion to support the hip joint. When there is a tear in the cartilage (the labrum), this is called a labrum tear.
A Labral Tear of the Hip
A labral tear of the hip joint is the result of damage in the cartilage lining of the acetabulum. A tear can cause mild, moderate, or severe hip and groin pain; joint stiffness may be sudden or progressively get worse. Labral tears can be caused by a direct impact to the hip because of trauma, motor vehicle accidents, collisions, dislocations, and falls (falling on to the side of the hip with a lot of weight). Gradual hip labral tears are caused by repetitive strains or an impingement of the labrum (femoral acetabulum impingement) that can come on gradually through wear and tear. Golfers, ballet dancers, baseball pitchers, and hockey players who constantly swing and twist their hips are candidates for this injury. Signs and symptoms may include pain in the hip or groin, a clicking and rubbing of the joint, stiffness, and decreased mobility in the hip joint.
Initial treatment for a hip labral tear requires a physical exam to assess range of motion (ROM), using X-rays to reveal abnormalities in the joint and any changes in the shape of the hip bones and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans (MRI) for detailed pictures of the soft tissue cartilage and labrum. Further treatment may require surgery (labrum debridement or labrum repair via arthroscopy) followed by rehab to restore full strength and movement to the hip joint in order to prevent further injuries or instability. Prognosis is particularly good. However, if surgery is refused, the injury could degenerate into a worn hip joint with eroded cartilage on the ends of the bones and the development of osteoporosis in the affected hip.
References
Akora Illustration. (2020). [Illustration]. Labral Tears/Torn Labrum of the Hip.
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/labral-tearstorn-labrum-hip-1174312756.
Alila Medical Media. (2020). [Diagram]. Hip Joint Structure Label. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/hip-joint-structure-labeled-228843109.
NYU Langone Health. (2020). Diagnosing Hip Labral Tears. https://nyulangone.org/conditions/hip-labral-tears-in-adults/diagnosis.
Walden, M. (2020). Labral Tear of the Hip Joint. https://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/hip-groin/hip-pain/labral-tear-hip.