What is a labral tear of the hip?

What is a labral tear of the hip?

The acetabular labrum refers to the cartilage that runs around the rim of the hip joint. This cartilage facilitates hip range of movement, helps alignment of the hip joint, and keeps synovial fluid within the joint. In essence the labrum provides both support and flexibility to the hip joint. 

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Figure 1: Hip and Knee Pain - Labral Tear - Physio Frenchs Forest, Physio Macquarie Park

What causes a labral tear?

Some tears are caused from a fall or when the hip is pushed into extreme range. It may also be damaged from repetitive rotational movements of the hip such as those seen in golf and ballet. 

What are the signs and symptoms of a labral tear?

You may experience an ache into the groin the side or back of the hip. You may also experience catching or clicking, or a feeling of instability when the hip is in a vulnerable position such as at the end range of a squat. 

 

Can physiotherapy help a labral tear?

  • The physiotherapist will assess your biomechanics and help restore any limited range of movement. 

  • The physiotherapist will then Improve the strength of the deep stability muscles that support the hip. 

  • Finally the physiotherapist will Improve your awareness and joint position sense of the hip and lower limb when placed in those vulnerable positions. 

  • Overtime you should see a significant reduction in pain, however rehabilitation often takes 3-6 months. 

Does a labral tear require surgery?

Conservative management is recommended in a high percentage of labral tears as surgery is very intrusive. If conservative management fails an MRI is recommended, and your surgeon will advise which procedure is recommended. 

See our expert Physiotherapy team at Frenchs Forest and Macquarie Park!

Reece Jones

Principal Physiotherapist 

Set in Motion Physiotherapy

References:

Figure1:

D. Andrew Parker, M. (2019). Coping with Hip Labral Tears. [online] Sports-health. Available at: https://www.sports-health.com/sports-injuries/hip-injuries/coping-hip-labral-tears [Accessed 26 Jan. 2019].

Reece Joneslabral tear, hip pain, physio for hip pain