Hip labral tear

A tear of the cartilage rim that deepens the hip socket.

Overview

A hip labral tear involves the cartilage rim around the socket, often associated with impingement. It can cause groin pain, clicking and a catching sensation. Many are managed with rehabilitation before considering surgery.

Symptoms

  • Groin pain, sometimes with clicking or catching
  • Pain with deep hip flexion or pivoting
  • A sense of the hip giving way
  • Stiffness after activity

Causes

  • Associated impingement (FAI)
  • Repetitive hip loading and pivoting
  • Trauma or dysplasia in some cases

Treatment

  • Hip and trunk strengthening
  • Activity and movement modification
  • Pain management
  • Surgical opinion for persistent mechanical symptoms