Gustavel Orthopedics | Sports Medicine | Orthopedic Surgery

HIP LABRAL TEAR

HIP LABRAL TEAR
AT GUSTAVEL ORTHOPEDICS

Name: Hip Labral Tear
Address: 1702 W Fairview Ave., Boise, Idaho, 83702
Telephone: (208) 957-7400

The hip is the strongest and the largest joint in the human body. It is known as a ball-and-socket joint made up of the top of your thigh bone (the ball) and a cup-shaped structure in your pelvis (the socket). This specialized anatomy gives strength and mobility to the joint for walking, running, and the movements of normal daily activities. A ring of strong, flexible cartilage known as the acetabular labrum (similar to the glenoid labrum of the shoulder) surrounds the rim of the hip socket.

What is the Hip Labrum?

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What Are the Functions of the Hip Labrum?

The labrum has several crucial functions, including:

Increasing joint stability
Retaining fluid for joint lubrication
Improving range of motion
Maintaining proper alignment of leg and hip
Cushioning joint from friction during movement
Providing protective pain perception when there is a joint problem

Due to the labrum's importance, a hip labral tear is a hip condition that has implications for living an active and pain-free life. This ring of cartilage is so vital to everyday life that it receives a great deal of attention from orthopedic surgeons who specialize in treating various hip conditions.

Causes of an Inflamed Labrum or Hip Labral Tear

Injury of the hip labrum occurs in all age groups and can be caused by childhood disorders such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Other causes include:

Trauma

People who participate in sports involving repetitive movements such as golf or high impact sports such as football are prone to injury.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative conditions such as arthritis can erode the cartilage and lead to pain and loss of function.

Structural Abnormalities

If the thigh bone's head does not fit the hip socket properly, it can lead to a labral tear. This is known as hip impingement and is a prevalent hip condition that may require treatment from an orthopedic surgeon.

Overtraining

Active people engaged in various aerobic and resistance training workouts are prone to injury from trauma or overuse.

Car Accidents

Hip injuries are common after motor vehicle accidents because the legs and hips absorb a large part of the force generated upon impact.

Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear

There are several indications that your hip pain may be a hip labral tear. These range from mild to severe and can include one or more of the following:

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Hip Pain - Discomfort in the front of the hip joint is a common symptom. This can be a dull ache or a sharp pain.
Groin Pain - This hip condition can be mistakenly thought to be a groin injury.
Hip Locking - his can occur during normal daily activities and may be accompanied by a clicking or popping sound.
Stiffness - You may notice the loss of range of motion.
Decreased Strength - This can affect daily activities, exercise, and stability when standing.

Diagnosis of a Hip Labral Tear

A thorough history of your discomfort and other symptoms is an essential aspect of diagnosing your hip condition. A physical exam by an orthopedic surgeon who has experience treating various hip problems will include evaluating leg movements, range of motion, and walking. Imaging tests may include x-rays to examine for fractures or structural abnormalities that may contribute to the symptoms. An MRI with contrasting material can provide detailed images of the soft tissue.

Treatment Options for a Hip Labral Tear

Treating a hip labral tear depends on the severity of the symptoms. Some injuries will resolve with rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Other possible treatments may include physical therapy and corticosteroid injections.

Surgery may be required to repair or remove a torn labrum. Most surgical options for this hip condition are minimally invasive and utilize a specialized instrument called an arthroscope. It is about the size of a pencil and has a tiny camera attached. Arthroscopic surgery allows the orthopedic surgeon to repair or remove the damaged tissue with greater precision without making a large incision. As a result healing is generally more efficient and pain is reduced compared to traditional methods.

Surgery and recovery are different for every individual. Many patients will be able to walk with crutches immediately after surgery. Crutches will likely be used for two to three weeks. Physical therapy may be started as soon as possible to rebuild muscle strength and increase range of motion. Complete recovery varies and may take several months. Your orthopedist will provide you with post-op activity guidelines.

Contact Gustavel Orthopedics in Boise, Idaho

A hip labral tear is a condition that can dramatically change your life in many ways, including painful walking and limited physical activity. If you have pain in your hip or groin or any other symptoms limiting your normal daily activities, contact us for an appointment to have a comprehensive evaluation. At Gustavel Orthopedics we pride ourselves on patient care & independence in health care choice. Dr. Michael Gustavel is a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon in Boise, Idaho who has been practicing since 2002.