Signs & Symptoms Of A Hip Labral Tear: Will I Need Surgery?

What Is Hip Labral Tear?

The structure of the hip is comprised of the femoral head and acetabulum, which is the socket. The hip labrum is a soft tissue that is located at the hip joint and wraps around the acetabulum. A hip labral tear is when a tear or injury at the labrum. The purpose of the labrum is to ensure the femoral head and acetabulum are secured in place.

Causes and symptoms

The leading causes include injury, dislocation, degenerative conditions, and structural abnormalities. The hip labrum allows the femoral head to move within the socket, but one experiences symptoms with an injury. These symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness in areas such as hip, groin, and buttocks
• Limited range of movement of the hip joint
• Locking or clicking sound upon movement
• Uneven feeling on the feet

Symptoms vary for each patient and sometimes a patient may not experience any symptoms.

Non-invasive treatment

A minor hip labral tear can be treated with conservative treatment. The conservative treatments include rest, pain medications, physical exercises, and steroid injections. Patients can achieve relief within a few weeks. However, if the symptoms are severe or persist, then the doctor may advise surgery.

Types of surgical options

An orthopedic surgeon may suggest surgery in some cases, and the type of surgery performed depends on the hip injury. The types of surgery include arthroscopy, labral reconstruction, surgery hip dislocation, and periacetabular osteotomy. In a severe case of hip labral tear and osteoarthritis, a total hip replacement is performed. After the surgery, patients may go home within a few hours or days, depending on the surgery type. Pain medications, crutches, and physical therapy are recommended to patients after the surgery.

Complications

In some cases, a hip labral tear can lead to osteoarthritis in the future. After a surgical procedure, there are possible complications such as bleeding, infection, and injury to the nerve. Sometimes, there is a possibility of recurrence if the injury has not recovered completely. Post-surgery, the doctor will advise a good time to return to work or activities.

Recovery time from a tear

The outlook for recovery of someone with a hip labral tear depends on the severity and treatment. Patients treated with conservative treatment may require further treatment. Those who undergo surgery recover within 4-6 months. In osteoarthritis cases, additional treatment and management are needed. Hip and joint pain may not be a serious condition but can affect daily life activities. Living pain-free is an option and consulting a specialist should provide the best solutions.