Hip pain can make the simplest daily movements such as walking, standing, sitting, twisting feel difficult. One condition that often goes undiagnosed but significantly impacts comfort and mobility is a hip labral tear. At Northern Arizona Orthopaedics (NAO), our hip specialists diagnose and treat this condition regularly, helping patients return to the active Northern Arizona lifestyle they love.
What Is a Hip Labral Tear?
The hip labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the outside rim of your hip socket. Its job is to stabilize the joint, absorb shock, and help the hip move smoothly. A hip labral tear occurs when this cartilage becomes damaged or frayed.
Because the labrum plays such an important role in hip movement, damage to it can cause pain, catching, and mechanical symptoms that gradually worsen over time.
Common Causes of Hip Labral Tears
Several different factors can contribute to a hip labral tear:
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): One of the most common causes, FAI occurs when extra bone around the hip joint creates abnormal contact and pinching of the labrum.
- Sports and Physical Activity: High-impact activities, such as running, soccer, hockey, and dance, as well as movements that involve repetitive twisting or pivoting, can increase the risk of labral injury.
- Trauma: A fall, collision, or sudden impact can tear the labrum, especially during sports or accidents.
- Structural Abnormalities: Some people are born with hip shapes that put extra stress on the labrum, making tears more likely over time.
- Degeneration: Like other cartilage in the body, the labrum can wear down due to age and everyday use.
Signs and Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear
Not all labral tears cause noticeable symptoms, but many patients experience:
- Sharp or catching pain in the hip or groin
- Clicking, locking, or popping sensations
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Pain with hip rotation
Patients often describe the discomfort as a feeling that the hip is “stuck,” “catching,” or “not moving smoothly.”
How Hip Labral Tears Are Diagnosed
A comprehensive evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis. At NAO, your provider may use several tools, including physical exams to assess hip motion and pinpoint pain, X-rays to evaluate bone structure, and MRI or MRI arthrograms to visualize the labrum and surrounding cartilage. In some cases, diagnostic injections are used to confirm whether the pain is originating from the hip joint itself. By combining advanced imaging with clinical expertise, our specialists can identify even subtle labral tears and develop an effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options for a Hip Labral Tear
Treatment depends on the severity of the tear, your symptoms, and your activity level. Many patients improve with non-surgical care, while others may need minimally invasive surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Physical therapy to strengthen hip stabilizers and improve mechanics
- Activity modification to reduce strain
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Joint injections, such as cortisone, to reduce pain and inflammation
These approaches can significantly improve symptoms, especially for mild to moderate tears.
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatment does not provide relief, arthroscopic hip surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure allows surgeons to:
- Repair or trim the torn labrum
- Correct bone abnormalities from FAI
- Improve joint alignment and stability
At NAO, our fellowship-trained hip specialists use advanced surgical techniques designed to protect the joint and promote long-term mobility.
Recovery and Long-Term Outlook
With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvement. Physical therapy plays a major role in recovery by helping restore strength, mobility, and stability after treatment or surgery.
Patients who undergo arthroscopic surgery typically return to low-impact activity within a few weeks and more demanding athletic movements over a few months, depending on the extent of the repair.
When to See a Hip Specialist
You should schedule an evaluation if you’re experiencing sharp hip pain, clicking or popping sensations, reduced range of motion, or feelings of instability. Early diagnosis can help prevent further joint damage and lead to better long-term outcomes.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a hip labral tear, the team at NAO is here to help. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward restoring your hip health and mobility.
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