Labral Tear
What is a labral tear?
A labral tear is a tear of the labrum, a ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket and helps keep the femoral head stable within the joint. Labral tears are often associated with femoral acetabular impingement or hip dysplasia, though they can also result from trauma.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a labral tear include:
Groin pain
Clicking or catching sensations
Reduced range of motion
A feeling of instability
Causes and risk factors
A labral tear can develop for a number of reasons, including:
Femoral acetabular impingement
Hip dysplasia
Trauma
Repetitive twisting or pivoting movements, particularly in sport
Treatment options for a labral tear
Treatment for a labral tear depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and any associated joint damage.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment is often tried first, and may include:
Physiotherapy
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medication
Joint injections
Surgical treatment
When symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment may be considered:
Hip Arthroscopy — used to repair or trim the torn portion of the labrum, and to address any underlying contributing factors such as FAI.
Labral Tear Frequently Asked Questions
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Labral tears are often associated with underlying conditions such as FAI or hip dysplasia, though they can also result from injury.
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Some patients experience good symptom relief with non-surgical treatment, while others require surgical repair, depending on the tear and underlying cause.
Pelvis & Hip Surgery in Melbourne
If you would like to discuss your symptoms or treatment options, contact Dr Varun Arora to schedule a consultation.