Labral Tears of the Hip
The hip labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket (acetabulum), deepening the joint and creating a seal that keeps the femoral head securely seated. When this tissue tears, it disrupts joint mechanics, causes pain, and can accelerate cartilage damage if left untreated.
What Causes a Labral Tear?
Hip labral tears commonly occur in athletes who perform repetitive pivoting, cutting, or twisting motions — including soccer players, hockey players, dancers, and golfers. They also develop in patients with underlying hip anatomy problems such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), where abnormal bone contact gradually wears down the labrum. Trauma from a fall or accident can cause an acute tear as well.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptom is deep groin pain, often described as a sharp catch or ache that worsens with prolonged sitting, walking, pivoting, or squatting. Patients frequently report a clicking, locking, or giving-way sensation in the hip. Some labral tears are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally; others cause significant functional limitation.
Diagnosis
Dr. Cooper evaluates hip labral tears with a thorough physical exam — including the FADIR and FABER provocation tests — combined with advanced imaging. MRI arthrography (MRI with contrast injected into the joint) provides the most detailed view of the labrum and surrounding cartilage. X-rays help assess bony anatomy, including signs of FAI or hip dysplasia that may be contributing to the tear.
Treatment Options
Not all labral tears require surgery. Mild or partial tears may respond well to physical therapy focused on hip strengthening, flexibility, and movement mechanics, combined with anti-inflammatory medications. Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary pain relief and confirm the hip joint as the pain source.
When conservative treatment fails or the tear is severe, hip arthroscopy is highly effective. Dr. Cooper performs minimally invasive labral repair — reattaching the torn labrum to the acetabular rim with suture anchors — preserving the tissue's natural function. In cases where the labrum is too damaged to repair, labral reconstruction using graft tissue may be performed. Any underlying FAI bone abnormalities are corrected simultaneously to prevent recurrence.
Recovery
Following hip arthroscopy for a labral tear, patients use crutches for several weeks to protect the repair while it heals. Physical therapy begins early and progresses through a structured protocol emphasizing range of motion, strengthening, and sport-specific training. Most patients return to full activity within four to six months, with excellent long-term outcomes when the procedure addresses all contributing factors.
If you are experiencing persistent hip pain or a catching sensation in the groin, contact Dr. Cooper's office to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
