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Hip

Hip Labral Tear

What is a Hip Labrum Tear?

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed where the rounded head of the thigh bone (femur) fits into a cup-shaped socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. The labrum is a band of fibrocartilaginous tissue that lines the rim of the acetabulum, providing stability and shock absorption to the hip joint. It also deepens the socket and helps to secure the femoral head within the joint.

A hip labrum tear involves damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that follows the outside rim of your hip joint socket. The labrum acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help hold the ball at the top of your thighbone securely within your hip socket. A tear can result in pain, instability, and limited function in the hip joint. Serving the Detroit area, Dr. Ben Mayo, a fellowship-trained hip surgeon, provides patients with expert care and treatment options for hip labrum tears. With offices in Livonia and Sterling Heights, Dr. Mayo and his team are committed to helping you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to book your consultation.

Hip labrum tears can occur from an acute injury, such as a fall or a direct blow to the hip during contact sports, or from repetitive motions that involve twisting or pivoting in sports like golf, soccer, and ballet. They are also common in athletes who perform deep squatting activities, such as weightlifters.

Chronic conditions, such as hip impingement or dysplasia, can also lead to labral tears. In these cases, the abnormal shape or alignment of the hip joint leads to increased wear and tear on the labrum. Some people may have a predisposition to labral tears due to their anatomy or genetics.

Symptoms of a hip labrum tear can vary widely, but may include:

  • Groin pain, or pain in the front of the hip
  • A clicking or locking sensation in the hip
  • Stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip
  • Pain that worsens with activity, hip flexion, or after prolonged sitting

In some cases, people with hip labrum tears may not experience any symptoms.

Diagnosing a hip labrum tear begins with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will perform specific tests to assess your hip’s range of motion, stability, and pain. Imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRI scans, are typically used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of hip pain. An MR arthrogram, where dye is injected into the hip joint before the MRI, is often the most accurate imaging test to identify a labral tear.

Due to its lack of blood supply, a torn hip labrum has a limited ability to heal on its own. Non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, pain management, and lifestyle modifications, can help manage symptoms and improve function in some cases. However, persistent or severe symptoms may require surgical intervention.

Schedule a hip consultation

Remember, everyone’s experience with a hip labrum tear is unique, and your treatment and recovery timeline may differ. If you’re experiencing symptoms of or have been diagnosed with hip labrum tear it’s essential to seek expert opinion from a fellowship trained hip surgeon such as Dr. Ben Mayo. As an expert in hip arthroscopy surgery, Dr. Mayo is pleased to offer state-of-the-art techniques to his patients in the Detroit area. Contact his office today to learn about how he can help you return to the activities you love. He treats athletes and patients of all ages at his offices in Sterling Heights and Livonia, and regularly sees patients from the surrounding communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, and Royal Oak. Please call or make an appointment online today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mayo.

At a Glance

Ben Mayo, MD

  • Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
  • Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
  • Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
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