A thin rim of cartilage, called the labrum, lines the hip socket, protecting it and preventing the bones from rubbing against each other when you move. This soft lining helps the bones in your hip joint to move smoothly and holds the bones in place without causing them to touch.
About hip labral tears
You can damage the labral cartilage that protects your hip socket, causing it to become torn. Some of the most common causes of hip labral tears are outlined below. Depending on how severely torn the labrum is, you may experience a dull ache or sharp stabbing pain which may be worse when moving or lying on the affected side. The pain may radiate into your leg, lower back or groin and it may affect the way you walk or stand which can start to cause other muscles to become strained.
Causes of hip labral tears
Putting too much pressure on your hip joint can result in damage. The most common causes of hip labral tears are:
- A condition called femoroacetabular impingement or FAI hip impingement. This is the result of the hip bones not being correctly aligned which causes friction within the joint and can cause the labrum to tear. FAI hip impingement is a common cause of hip pain and can occur at any age. It is normally present from birth but can develop later in life, particularly during the teenage years. It is important to get a proper diagnosis so the condition can be managed and labral tears avoided, if possible. While FAI hip impingement cannot be prevented, if you manage it correctly you may be able to avoid further damage.
- Osteoarthritis, also called wear and tear arthritis, is associated with ageing. It causes the cartilage within joints to wear away and this can result in hip labral tears.
- Traumatic injuries, such as falls, road traffic accidents and high impact sports injuries can also cause damage to the labrum. You may be particularly at risk if you participate in sports such as football, hockey and golf. Dancers and gymnasts are also prone to labral tears.
Diagnosing hip labral tears
It is important to receive a proper diagnosis if you are experiencing hip pain, as continuing to use a damaged labrum can result in worsening pain. Your doctor will carry out a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. They may send you for imaging tests, such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans to understand more about what is causing your symptoms.
Treating hip labral tears
A torn hip labrum cannot heal by itself, however a small tear may only cause minor symptoms, or sometimes no symptoms at all, and you may be able to manage these without surgery. Common treatments for mild tears including anti-inflammatory medication and pain killers, injections of corticosteroids directly into the affected area or physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around your hip joint and increase flexibility.
If these treatments fail to provide sufficient relief or if you have a severe labral tear, you may need surgery to repair the damage. A hip arthroscopy – or keyhole surgery – is the usual method used to repair a torn labrum as it avoids the need for a large incision and so leads to faster recovery times. If you have FAI hip impingement you may also need to have the hip bones reshaped during surgery to prevent a recurrence.
Preventing hip labral tears
It is not normally possible to prevent a hip labral tear, particularly if you have a condition like FAI hip impingement or osteoarthritis. However, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk of a traumatic hip injury.
If you play sport, make sure you warm up properly and cool down after a workout. Wear the correct footwear and protective equipment. In your home or workplace, be aware of trip hazards and, if you are at particular risk of falls, stick to well-lit areas and use a walking stick or walker to support you.
If you are concerned about hip labral tears and would like to discuss a possible diagnosis or treatment options, contact us.
