Hip Labral TearsPronounced: Hip Lay-bral Tears
by
Patricia Griffin Kellicker, BSN DefinitionA hip labral tear is an injury to the soft elastic tissue around the hip joint called the labrum. The hip joint is made of a ball and socket. The ball is the end of the thigh bone, also called the femur. This ball fits into the bowl-shaped socket in the pelvic bone, also called the acetabulum. Cartilage lines the socket to keep movement smooth and the joint cushioned. The labrum helps to hold the ball of your femur in place. When this tears, it is called a hip labral tear.
Causes TOPHip labral tears can result from wear and tear or from an injury. Risk Factors TOPFactors that can increase your chances of getting a hip labral tear include:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms vary and can be mild, including:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will likely be referred to a specialist. An orthopedic surgeon focuses on bones and joints. Images may need to be taken of your hip. This can be done with: An anesthetic may be injected to help diagnose this condition. If the pain gets better with the injection, the problem is in the joint which could be a labral tear. Treatment TOPTalk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include the following: Medical TreatmentCommon medical treatment may include:
Generally, this treatment is tried for several weeks. If there is no improvement, then surgery is considered. Surgical TreatmentArthroscopy uses a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision to view the injury and fix it. Small instruments are threaded through this tube. The torn labrum may be removed or sewn together. Rehabilitation TOPAfter surgery, you may be fitted with a brace. This will provide support and aid healing. A therapist will work with you. The therapy will include strength exercises and a plan to increase your weight bearing. Prevention TOPThere are no known guidelines to prevent a hip labral tear. RESOURCES:Arthroscopy Association of North America http://www.aana.org OrthoInfo—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org References:Bharam S, Philippon MJ. Diagnosis and management of acetabular labral tears in the athlete.
International
SportMed Journal. 2008;9(1):1-11. Burnett SJ, Della Rocca GJ, et al. Clinical presentation of patients with tears of the acetabular labrum.
The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 2006;88:1448-1457. Hunt DH, Clohisy J, et al. Acetabular Labral Tears of the Hip in Women. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America - Volume 18, Issue 3 (August 2007). O'Kane J. Anterior hip pain. Am Fam Physician. 1999 Oct 15;60(6):1687-1696. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed February 8, 2018. Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 3/18/2013 | |
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