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Hip Labral Tears

A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket where the ball of the thigh bone sits. A tear can cause intense pain, clicking or locking, and reduced hip mobility. Minor tears may need no treatment, while larger, painful tears can be treated with physical therapy, injections, or minimally invasive surgery.

Athlete on a running track holding her hip, a common sign of a hip labral tear

What Is A Hip Labral Tear?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The labrum is a ring of tough, flexible cartilage around the rim of the socket that deepens it, cushions the joint, and seals in joint fluid. When the labrum tears, the joint can catch, lock, and become painful.
 
Tears may develop over time from repetitive movement or bone shape abnormalities, or appear immediately after a traumatic injury. Because hip pain has many sources, an evaluation helps separate a labral tear from arthritis or pain coming from the lower back; see hip pain.

Treatments For Hip Labral Tears

If a tear is minor and causes minimal symptoms, treatment may not be required. For larger and more painful tears, a variety of options are available.

Non-surgical care

  • Medication. Over-the-counter medication reduces pain and inflammation.
  • Physical therapy. Strengthens the muscles and allows greater mobility.
  • Steroid injections. Temporarily relieve painful symptoms.
  • Activity modification. Avoiding deep flexion and pivoting while symptoms settle.

Minimally invasive surgery

A physical examination by a licensed physician is the best way to determine which treatment option is right for you.

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How Labral Tears are Diagnosed

The first step is a physical examination. Your physician may ask you to move your leg and hip to evaluate the location and intensity of pain. Additional imaging may include an X-ray to assess abnormalities in the shape of the hip joint, and an MRI or MRA (MRI with contrast in the joint) for detail of the labrum and soft tissues.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging and help point you toward effective treatment.
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What Causes Hip Labral Tears?

Some of the most common causes of tears include:

Traumatic injury

A fall, dislocation, or car accident.

Repetitive movement

Twisting and pivoting in sports such as soccer, hockey, golf, and dance.

Hip bone abnormalities

Femoroacetabular impingement pinches the labrum.

Degeneration

Age-related wear of the cartilage.

Overuse

Repeated deep flexion of the hip.

Joint laxity

A loose or unstable hip places extra stress on the labrum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hip labral tear?

A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket and helps hold the ball of the thigh bone in place.

What does a hip labral tear feel like?

Most people feel deep pain in the groin or front of the hip, sometimes in the buttock, with clicking, locking, or catching and a feeling of stiffness or instability.

What causes hip labral tears?

Common causes include traumatic injury, repetitive twisting and pivoting, and abnormalities in the shape of the hip bones (femoroacetabular impingement) that pinch the labrum.

Can a hip labral tear heal without surgery?

The labrum has a limited blood supply, so it may not heal on its own, but many patients become comfortable with physical therapy, medication, and injections. Minor tears may not need treatment.

How is a hip labral tear diagnosed?

A physical examination with specific hip movements is the first step. X-rays show bone shape, and MRI or MR arthrography (MRA) shows the labrum and soft tissues in detail.

When is surgery recommended?

Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is considered for larger, painful tears that do not improve with conservative care, with the approach tailored to the tear and the shape of the hip.

Can a labral tear lead to arthritis?

A torn labrum and the bone shape problems that often cause it can increase wear in the hip over time, which is one reason persistent symptoms deserve evaluation.

Where can I be seen for hip pain?

Total Spine and Orthopedics evaluates hip labral tears and other causes of hip pain in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646.

Symptoms Of Hip Labral Tears

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the hip, buttock, or groin that worsens when walking or running.
  • Stiffness or difficulty moving the hip.
  • Locking or clicking in the hip joint.
  • Unsteadiness while on your feet.
  • Pain with sitting or bending the hip deeply.
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Related Conditions

Hip Pain

The hips are one of the most critical joints in the body, allowing you to do many of your normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and more. This makes it all the more debilitating if pain, numbness, or weakness begins to affect your hips. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, and general uncomfortableness when lying on one side or the other are all common indicators of a hip issue that may need to be addressed.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and active individuals. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, sports injuries can sideline even the most seasoned athlete and impact their ability to perform at their best. Orthopedic treatments are often the go-to solution for these types of injuries, helping individuals get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to tendonitis or certain medical conditions such as arthritis. The best way to determine the exact cause and available treatment methods for your specific situation is to have a diagnosis done by an expert physician such as our team of doctors here at Total Spine.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a pinched nerve in the neck, and it can limit sleep and daily tasks.

Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common injury to the knee, often caused by twisting or bending the knee forcefully. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to distribute weight evenly across the knee joint and provides stability.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a very common condition in the shoulder that can cause recurring pain, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. When the tissues connecting muscles in the shoulder to bone, commonly known as tendons, become damaged or "torn", it can create a sensation of pain or weakness. The severity and symptoms of the tear can vary depending on what caused the tear to form and other factors.

Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), which helps to deepen the socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can occur due to injury, degeneration, or overuse, causing pain, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

When A Labral Tear Needs Surgery

The Arthroscopic Advantage

How arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery of the hip compares with traditional open surgery.

Open surgeryArthroscopicMinimally invasive
IncisionOne larger incision to open the joint.A few small incisions for a camera and slim instruments.
Soft tissueMore disruption of muscle and tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
VisualizationDirect view through the open incision.A magnified camera view inside the joint.
Hospital stayMay require a hospital stay.Usually outpatient; most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and scarringA longer recovery and a larger scar.Typically less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Minimally invasive hip arthroscopy can repair the damaged labrum through small incisions, with a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Expert diagnosis of hip pain

    Our orthopedic physicians are expertly trained in diagnosing labral tears and the other causes of hip pain.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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