Hip Labral Tear

The acetabular labrum is a ring of specialized cartilage resting on the edge of the bony socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint. The function of the labrum is to deepen the socket and provide a “suction seal” to the hip joint. Tears of the acetabular labrum are becoming more commonly recognized.

Hip labral tears can be due to a single acute traumatic event. Acute labral tears usually result from a sports injury, fall, or accident. They are commonly associated with sudden, twisting maneuvers that cause immediate pain in the hip.

More commonly, however, labral tears are degenerative in nature. Degenerative labral tears are chronic injuries that occur as a result of repetitive wear and tear over time and can be seen in the early stages of hip arthritis. The most common cause of degenerative labral tears is a condition known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Treatment for labral tears consists of activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. If these measures are unsuccessful, the labrum can be debrided or repaired using a minimally invasive arthroscopic technique.

Medically Reviewed By

This content has been reviewed by Robin Fuchs, MD, MBA, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and hip specialist.