One of the many structures of the hip, the labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the outside of the hip joint socket. The labrum protects the hip socket and prevents the bones from grinding together. It also holds the joint in place and helps maintain fluid movement. Damage to the labrum can result in hip labral tears. These tears can range from minor to severe, and are most common in athletes who participate in sports such as ice hockey, soccer, football, and ballet. Whether the tear occurs from a sports injury or a structural problem with the hip, proper treatment is key to positive orthopaedic health. Our specialists at OrthoGeorgia provide care for a wide range of hip and joint conditions and injuries, including labral tears of the hip. Hip pain and discomfort can severely limit a person’s ability to go about their daily activities. The members of our team are here to help you start living and moving more comfortably. Learn more below about labral tears of the hip and contact the OrthoGeorgia office location nearest you to schedule an appointment with a total joint specialist today!
How Do I Know if I Have Torn the Labrum in My Hip?
A labral tear of the hip occurs when too much pressure is placed on the hip joint. This can happen because of a pre-existing condition, such as osteoarthritis, or because of a sports injury or sudden accident. Athletes at the highest risk for a labral tear are those who play sports that put excess pressure on the hip. Symptoms of a labral tear of the hip will depend on the severity and location of the tear. Those with a minor tear may experience no symptoms at all, with the tear going unidentified for a period of time. When symptoms do occur, they most often include hip pain when bending, moving, or exercising, stiffness, clicking or popping of the hip, and a feeling of unsteadiness and instability. Pain associated with a labral tear normally feels like a dull ache, but may transition to a sharp, stabbing pain during certain activities. If you are experiencing hip pain that interferes with your ability to go about your day or do the things you love, please contact OrthoGeorgia as soon as possible. We will work with you to determine the cause of your pain and help you find relief through a personalized treatment plan.
How is a Labral Tear in the Hip Diagnosed?
Labral tears of the hip are normally diagnosed using a combination of a physical examination and imaging tests. When you first meet with your orthopaedic specialist, they will examine your hip and ask you about your symptoms. You should fill your doctor in on your medical history, and talk about when you first noticed the pain and anything that makes it better or worse. You will be asked to stand, walk, and move the hip in certain ways so your doctor can determine your pain levels and range of motion. Hip labral tears are often paired with other injuries of the hip and imaging tests can provide a full picture of your injury. These may include X-rays to check for arthritis and structural problems and/or an MRI scan to check the soft tissues that surround the hip joint. At OrthoGeorgia, we make it easy for those in Central GA to access the orthopaedic care services they need. Digital X-ray services are available at all of our office locations, and our Macon and Warner Robins offices are equipped with MRI scanners.
How are Hip Labral Tears Treated?
Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor at OrthoGeorgia will create a personalized treatment plan for you. Treatment for a hip labral tear depends on the severity of your symptoms. In many cases, symptoms can be managed with nonsurgical treatment methods. Surgery may be the best approach if conservative treatments are not successful.
Nonsurgical Hip Labral Tear Treatment
A care plan for a labral tear of the hip normally begins with conservative treatment methods. Certain lifestyle changes, like getting proper rest and modifying physical activities following your injury, are extremely important. Your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the hip. If pain is severe, corticosteroid injections may also be helpful. Another common nonsurgical treatment option for a hip labral tear is physical therapy. A physical therapist can provide you with stretches, exercises, and movement techniques to strengthen the hip muscles and increase your flexibility. You’ll learn how to increase your hip’s range of motion and stability, along with ways to avoid stress on your hip joint in the future. Comprehensive physical therapy care is key to recovery from all types of orthopaedic injuries, and we are proud to offer physical therapy in Macon, Warner Robins, and Kathleen, GA. The members of our team are trained in a number of specialized therapy treatments, using state-of-the-art equipment to provide the highest quality of care. Our therapists work closely with our orthopaedic specialists to ensure that each patient’s care is as cohesive as possible.
Hip Labral Tear Surgery
Surgery for a hip labral tear may be recommended if pain is severe and nonsurgical treatment methods have not provided relief. This type of injury does not heal on its own, so surgery is the only way to truly repair the tear. Surgery to repair a hip labral tear is performed arthroscopically, providing a number of benefits for patients. Arthroscopic surgery results in a faster recovery time, less swelling and inflammation, and lower risk of complications. During the procedure, your surgeon will repair the torn labrum and fix any other damage to the hip joint using small tools and a special camera. The repair itself may involve removing frayed pieces of the labrum or stitching the tear back together. Arthroscopic surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so you will be able to go home the same day. Low-impact activities may be restarted soon after surgery, as frequent exercise is essential to restoring the function of your hip joint. If surgery is the best next step for you, the members of our team at OrthoGeorgia will ensure that you are aware of your options and that any questions you have are answered along the way.
Other Hip Conditions We Treat at OrthoGeorgia
Orthopaedic hip conditions and injuries can have a detrimental effect on your ability to do the things you love. At OrthoGeorgia, we offer comprehensive total joint care, focusing on knee, hip, and shoulder issues. Whether you are seeking a total hip replacement or need help with a recent injury, we are here for you. Our surgeons are well-versed in the diagnosis and treatment of all manner of hip conditions and injuries, including:
Macon
