The labrum is a pad of fibrocartilage that lies between the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket) that acts as a stabilizer and shock absorber for the hip. Damage to this fibrocartilage can occur as a result of athletic injuries, traumas or anatomical abnormalities.
Symptoms
1. Deep hip pain
2. Clicking and locking sensations
3. Stiffness
4. Limited hip range of motion
Causes
1. Boney abnormalities of the hip joint (hip impingement)
2. Using improper techniques with repetitive activities
3. Repetitive trauma
4. Trauma such as a car accident or fall
5. Hip dislocation
Risk Factors
1. Athletes that compete in sports that require repetitive cutting and twisting
2. Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI)
3. Acetabular dysplasia
4. History of hip dislocation
Prevention
Early detection and management of risk factors such as FAI.
Diagnosis
1. Detailed history and physical examination
2. MRI to determine presence and location of a tear
3. X-rays are recommended to determine if there are any contributing factors present such as femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) and acetabular dysplasia.
Treatment
1. There are non-surgical and surgical options for managing labral tears of the hip.
2. However, once the labrum has been torn, it does not have the ability to repair itself on its own.
Non-Surgical Treatment
a. Physical therapy
b. Modification of activity
c. Localized injection
d. Pain medication
*Goal: Address symptoms. Improve strength and mobility to minimize stress.
*If the tear is symptomatic and non-surgical methods fail, arthroscopic repair of the labrum is necessary.
