Hip Labrum Injuries
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Hip Labrum Injuries can cause catching and sharp pain in the hip or groin. But there are great treatment options. Read on to learn about the function of the hip labrum, how it is injured, and how to fix it!
Anatomy of the Hip Labrum
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The femoral head of the femur creates the ball end of the hip which sits in a cup-like socket. The socket is formed from three bones that connect to create the acetabulum. The acetabulum is surrounded by a ring of cartilage known as the labrum.
Function of the Hip Labrum
The labrum is a cartilaginous ring that provides stability to the hip joint, keeping the ball in the socket. The labrum also functions to cushion the joint with loadbearing activities. A hip labral tear is an injury to this cartilaginous ring that can then create pain in the hip.
Symptoms of a Hip Labrum Injury
Symptoms of a labral tear can include:
- Pain in the hip or groin that may increase with prolonged standing, sitting, walking or athletic activity
- Locking, clicking and/or catching sensations in the hip
- Stiffness of the hip
- Limitations in range of motion of the hip causing difficulty with daily activities such as putting on shoes and socks.
Click to learn about Hip Impingement Syndrome.
Anatomy of the Hip Labrum
Causes of Hip Labrum Injury
A hip labrum injury can result from several possible factors. The following are most common causes of injury:
- Trauma such as an auto accident
- Hip Dislocation that could be a result from a trauma or fall
- Injury from high impact sports such as hockey, football and/or soccer
- Structural abnormalities that can create abnormal wear and tear on the joint accelerating the deterioration of the cartilage
- Repetitive motions such as long distance running, twisting and pivoting.
How to Diagnosis a Hip Labrum Injury
A labral injury can be diagnosed by a physician by using a combination of the physician’s assessment of the patient given the history, symptoms, range of motion and special tests that may used to isolate the labrum to reproduce pain.
If the physician suspects a labral injury, a definitive diagnosis may be made using imaging such as an MRI to view the soft tissue structure of the hip. The physician may request the MRI to be completed using a dye that will cause soft tissue structures to be viewed more easily.
Treatment for Labrum Injury in the Hip
Many people may be fully functional with a hip labral injury. Often times people may have one and not even be aware. However, once the hip becomes painful and starts limiting desired activities then treatment will become necessary. Treatment for labral injury may include:
- Conservative management such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and/or activity modifications
- Injections in the hip of steroids or other combination of medications to decrease pain and help diagnosis location of pain
- Surgical intervention that may include repair of the tissue or possibly a debridement of the frayed tissue to create a smooth surface.
Related Links:
If you think you have a Hip labrum Injury, the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help. To see a JOI Hip Specialist, call (904)JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below. To see a JOI Rehab Therapist in 1 of our 12 locations, call (904)858-7045.