Hip Labral Tear: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Hip labral tears can cause persistent pain and may even interfere with everyday activities such as walking, sitting, or climbing stairs. Dr Foo provides comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatments to restore mobility and support long-term joint health.
MBBS (University of London) | MMed (Ortho) | FRCSEd (Ortho) | FAMS (Ortho)
What Is a Hip Labral Tear?
A hip labral tear is a condition where the labrum, a ring of cartilage surrounding
the hip socket, becomes damaged or torn. The labrum plays a crucial role in
stabilising the hip joint and facilitating smooth, controlled movement while reducing joint
friction and wear.
A tear can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility, making everyday activities like
walking, climbing stairs, prolonged sitting, or standing up more difficult and
uncomfortable.
In severe cases, it may limit participation in sports or physical activities,
impacting your overall quality of life.
What Causes a Hip Labral Tear?
A hip labral tear can result from repetitive movements, trauma, structural abnormalities, or degenerative conditions.
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) – Excess bone growth in the hip joint creates abnormal contact between the femoral head (the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone) and the socket, leading to repetitive labral pinching, tearing, and potential cartilage damage.
- Repetitive Motion – Sports like football, hockey, ballet, and golf involve frequent hip rotation, pivoting, or hyperextension, increasing labral stress and risk of tears.
- Trauma – Sudden impact from falls, direct blows, or high-speed injuries, such as car accidents, can forcefully damage the labrum.
- Age-Related Degeneration – Natural wear and tear on the hip joint over time, often linked to osteoarthritis, can weaken the labrum, making it more prone to tearing, even with minor stress or movement.
Hip Labral Tear Symptoms
Symptoms of a hip labral tear can include pain, instability, and restricted movement, with severity varying based on the extent of the injury.
- Hip or Groin Pain – A dull ache or sharp pain in the hip, groin, or buttocks, often aggravated by movement or prolonged activity.
- Limited Range of Motion – Stiffness and difficulty with activities requiring hip mobility, such as squatting, running, or pivoting.
- Clicking or Locking Sensation – A catching, clicking, or locking feeling when rotating, flexing, or extending the hip joint.
- Hip Instability – A sensation of the hip joint feeling loose, weak, or as if it may give way.
Without timely treatment, a hip labral tear may worsen, causing ongoing pain, joint stiffness, and reduced hip function. If you have persistent hip discomfort or movement difficult, seek medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis and treatment to restore mobility and prevent long-term complications. How Is a Hip Labral Tear Diagnosed?
A hip labral tear is diagnosed through a combination of medical history review, clinical evaluation, and imaging tests to assess joint function and identify the extent of the injury.
- Medical History Review – A review of symptoms, activity levels, previous injuries, and any underlying conditions that may contribute to hip pain.
- Physical Examination – Assessment of the hip for pain, mobility restrictions, and signs of instability through guided movements and specialised tests.
-
Imaging Tests:
- X-ray – Detects bone abnormalities such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or arthritis that may contribute to labral damage.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including the labrum, to confirm the presence and severity of a tear.
- Diagnostic Injection – A local anaesthetic injected into the hip joint can help determine if the labrum is the source of pain by temporarily relieving symptoms.
Hip Labral Tear Treatment
Treatment for a hip labral tear depends on its severity and underlying cause, ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention. Surgery may be recommended when symptoms do not improve with non-surgical treatments.
| Treatment | Description & Purpose |
|---|---|
| Non-Surgical Management | |
| Rest and Activity Modification | Avoiding high-impact activities that aggravate symptoms helps reduce strain on the hip joint and allows the labrum to heal. Activity adjustments may include limiting repetitive hip movements and switching to low-impact exercises. |
| Physiotherapy | A structured rehabilitation programme focusing on strengthening hip muscles, improving joint stability, and enhancing flexibility. Therapy includes targeted exercises, stretching, and manual techniques to reduce strain on the labrum and restore function. |
| Pain Management | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help manage pain and reduce inflammation. These medications provide symptomatic relief but do not heal the tear itself. |
| Injection-Based Treatment | Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and pain in the hip joint, providing temporary relief. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use the body's own growth factors to promote tissue healing and may be recommended for certain patients. Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections improve joint lubrication and reduce friction, helping relieve pain, especially in cases with cartilage wear or early osteoarthritis. |
| Surgical Intervention | |
| Hip Arthroscopy | A minimally invasive surgical procedure where small incisions are made to insert a camera and surgical instruments into the hip joint. The damaged portion of the labrum is then repaired or removed, reducing pain and improving mobility. |
| Labral Repair | A hip arthroscopy procedure that reattaches a torn labrum to the hip socket using stitches. This restores joint stability and function, maintains proper joint mechanics, and helps prevent further cartilage damage. |
| Labral Reconstruction | A minimally invasive hip arthroscopy procedure that replaces a severely damaged or deficient labrum with a graft (from the patient or a donor). This restores cushioning, stability, and reduces joint friction. |
Hip Labral Tear Recovery
Recovery from a hip labral tear depends on the severity of the injury, treatment approach, and individual healing response.
- Non-Surgical Recovery – Symptoms may improve within 6 to 12 weeks with physiotherapy and activity modifications.
- Post-Surgery Recovery – Full return to activity is typically expected within 4 to 6 months with a structured rehabilitation programme, depending on the extent of surgery and adherence to rehabilitation exercises.
Can a Hip Labral Tear Be Prevented?
While not all hip labral tears can be prevented, certain preventive measures can help reduce the risk by protecting the hip joint.
- Strengthening Exercises – Building strong hip and core muscles enhances joint stability and reduces excessive strain.
- Proper Movement Mechanics – Maintaining correct posture and technique during physical activities minimises stress on the hip joint.
- Flexibility and Mobility Work – Regular stretching and mobility exercises help maintain joint function and prevent undue stress on the labrum.
- Avoiding Overuse – Managing training loads and allowing adequate rest periods can help prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Every patient deserves a treatment plan tailored to their needs. We start with non-surgical approaches before considering more invasive interventions.
Dr Foo Gen Lin
Find an Orthopaedic Hip Specialist Near Me
Apex Novena
admin@apexsportsclinic.sg
101 Irrawaddy Rd, #18-12 Royal Square Medical Centre, Singapore 329565
Nearest MRT: NS20 Novena
Apex East Coast
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112 E Coast Rd, #03-03/04 i12 Katong, Singapore 428802
Nearest MRT: TE26 Marine Parade
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