Labral Tears
The hip joint has a cartilage ring around the socket called the labrum. The labrum adds to the stability of the hip joint by making the socket deeper–creating a seal, like a gasket.
The labrum can tear causing pain in the hip joint and/or into the groin. It can also cause a popping or catching sensation deep in the joint. Typically, hip labral tears are caused by hip impingement.
Some athletes are more prone to hip labral tears due to the twisting motion of the hips with a drive. Dancers are also at risk, due to the extreme range of motion the hip joint is put through with extremely high kicks and leaps. In addition to a physical exam the final diagnosis needs to be done with an MRI of the hip joint.
Alicia’s Story
Treatment
Conservative treatment such as injections or physical therapy can be tried first a labral tear of the hip usually requires surgery. In surgery, the tear is repaired arthroscopically, through two small incisions. With a labral repair, the torn area is repaired with sutures and non-metal anchors. Following labral repair, the impingement is addressed.
