What are hip labral tears?
A hip labral tear is a tear in the labrum – the ring of cartilage that forms the outside rim of the hip joint socket. The labrum cushions the hip joint and acts as a gasket or seal to help hold the ball at the top of femur (thigh bone) securely within the socket.
What are the symptoms of hip labral tears?
In many cases, labral tears cause no symptoms. You may occasionally experience:
- Pain in the hip or groin
- Stiffness and limited range of motion in the hip joint
- Clicking, locking, or catching sensation in the hip joint
What causes labral tears in the hip?
Hip labral tears can have several different causes:
- Repetitive motions: Athletes in golf, softball, and other sports involving sudden twisting or pivoting motions may suffer wear and tear of the hip joint that leads to labral tears.
- Trauma: Hip dislocation or trauma to the joint sustained in motor vehicle accidents or contact sports such as football or hockey can cause hip labral tears.
- Structural abnormalities: Congenital structural defects of the hip can accelerate wear and tear of the cartilage and joint and eventually cause a labral tear.
What treatment options are available?
If the symptoms persist, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoon. A comprehensive evaluation will be performed and a treatment plan can then be discussed based on the findings.