What is a Labral Tear?

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. A tear of this cartilage rim is often due to the hip being pushed into its end of range or with repetitive rotational movements such as those seen in golf or yoga.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Labral Tear?

+ Pain at the front of the hip or groin

+ Pain with turning the leg inwards or outwards

+ Pain with squatting

+ Pain with walking or going up and donw stairs

What is the Treatment of a Labral Tear?

The Physiotherapist will educate the patient on what activities to avoid. These normally include squatting and twisting movements of the hip. The Physiotherapist will provide soft tissue techniques to help alleviate pain and then rehabilitate the hip by strengthening the deep muscles of the hip. The Physiotherapist may advise the patient to get a cortisone or PRP injection into the hip to help reduce any pain. Recovery is expected to take 6 months. In 10-15% of cases surgical intervention may be required if Physiotherapy is not successful.