A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, a rim of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket. The labrum is a cushioning seal that secures the top of the thigh bone (femur) in the hip joint.

A labral tear can result from a direct blow to the hip. Athletes who play contact sports such as football, hockey, and soccer are especially susceptible to this type of injury. Additionally, those who play sports that involve twisting or pivoting the hip, such as golf and softball, can sustain gradual wear and tear that eventually leads to a hip labral tear.

What Does A Hip Labral Tear Feel Like?

The symptoms of a torn labrum can include:

• Pain in the hip, groin, or buttocks
• Stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip
• A locking, clicking, or catching sensation in the hip joint during movement

If you have symptoms of a hip labral tear, you can consult with an orthopedic specialist at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Thermopolis, WY.

How Can A Hip Labral Tear Be Treated?

A torn labrum will not heal on its own, but mild to moderate discomfort can usually be managed with rest and other non-surgical therapies, such as:

• Physical therapy – A physician or physical therapist may suggest targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the hip muscles.
• Medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce painful inflammation in the hip.
• Corticosteroid injections – A powerful anti-inflammatory medication can be injected directly into the painful area of the hip.

If the symptoms are severe or persistent, a surgical procedure may be considered to repair or reconstruct damaged labral tissue or remove (debride) a small piece of the labrum.

The orthopedic specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers offer a full range of conservative and surgical treatment options for hip labral tears. When surgery is appropriate, our experienced surgeons perform arthroscopic hip surgeries and hip resurfacing procedures, as well as total and partial hip replacements.

If you would like to have your hip labral tear evaluated by a specialist at our satellite clinic in Thermopolis, WY, contact us today to schedule a consultation.