The labrum is a rim of cartilage that surrounds the hip joint. The labrum has two sides: one side attaches to the head of the thighbone (femur), the other side attaches to the hip socket (acetabulum). The labrum acts as a rubber seal, or gasket, that helps hold the thighbone securely within the hip socket. It also allows the body to maintain appropriate fluid pressure inside the joint. In addition, the labrum aides in shock absorption, joint lubrication, and stability.
Damage to the labrum can occur due to trauma (running, twisting, slipping), hip impingement (FAI) due to abnormal bone structure of the hip joint, capsular laxity (loose ligaments), hip hypermobility (movement beyond normal range of motion), dysplasia (shallow hip pocket), and degeneration (arthritis).
Most people with labral tears usually experience deep groin pain accompanied by joint stiffness and instability. Patients often experience mechanical symptoms including clicking, locking, and giving way, especially when standing or sitting. Patient history and physical examination are the first tools used to diagnose labral tears in the hip.
The most consistent finding for a torn labral is a positive anterior hip impingement test. For this test, your doctor will bring your knee up towards your chest and rotate it inward towards your opposite shoulder. If the physician is able to recreate your hip pain, the test result is positive for impingement.
Your physician may order imaging tests to help further diagnosis the cause of your hip pain.
X-Rays provide your physician with good images of the hip joint to help diagnose orthopaedic issues.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies are used to take images of soft tissue and help your physician locate any damage to the labrum. Your physician may also inject dye, or contrast, into the hip joint to show damage more clearly. This is referred to as an MRI arthrogram.
Conservative, nonsurgical treatment options can be used to address the symptoms of a labrum tear. Changes in activity level may be recommended in order to avoid activities that cause symptoms. Medications can help ease any inflammation and reduce pain. Physical therapy can improve range of motion in your hip and strengthen the muscles that support the hip joint.
Most labral tears can be repaired with arthroscopic surgery.
Recovery time for a labral tear is approximately 3 to 4 months depending on your overall health and the success of your rehabilitation. Physical therapy will be part of the recovery process to help patients regain range of motion and strength in the hip.
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