Hip Labral Tear

The hip joint brings together the top of the thigh bone (the femoral head) with a socket in the pelvis known as the acetabulum. Lining the acetabulum is a thick, rubber-like ring of soft cartilage which protects and seals the socket, provides stability and cushioning to the hip joint, and keeps the bones in place while preventing them from grinding against each other. This ring of cartilage is known as the hip labrum.

A hip labral tear occurs when the hip labrum becomes damaged due to injury, overuse, a degenerative condition, or other causes. The condition can range from mild to severe and is characterized by hip pain and instability that negatively impact mobility and overall quality of life.

If you are living with hip pain and stiffness that hasn’t resolved or improved over the course of a few weeks, a labral tear could be the underlying reason. To learn more about labral tears and receive a definitive diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, contact Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey today to book an initial consultation!

A hip labral tear is a tear in the ring of cartilage that surrounds, protects, and stabilizes the hip joint socket (acetabulum). Frequently caused by excess pressure on the hip joint that forces it beyond its normal range, a hip labral tear can also develop as the result of a traumatic injury, structural abnormality, overuse, osteoarthritis or other degenerative condition. People who have had a previous hip injury may also be at increased risk of developing a labral tear.

Some hip labral tears are so small that they do not cause any symptoms at all. Symptomatic hip labral tears can range from mild to severe and may affect each patient differently. Some of the common symptoms of hip labral tears our leading team of doctors at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey regularly encounters include:

• Hip pain that radiates, feels achy or sharp, and/or feels deep in the bone
• Instability in the hip joint
• Stiffness in the hip joint
• Limited range of motion in the hip joint
• Hip pain that worsens after long periods of sitting, standing, or physical activity
• A clicking or popping sensation in the hip joint

To diagnose a hip labral tear, one of our award-winning specialists will take a thorough medical history and perform an in-depth physical examination of the affected area. Diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, or a CT scan, may also be ordered. Once a labral tear diagnosis has been confirmed, our team will tailor a treatment plan to your particular needs, circumstances, and treatment goals.

For further information about which type of surgery may be the right fit based on your particular case and symptoms, book an appointment at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey!

Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey is a patient-focused orthopedic clinic that brings together world-class specialists in a state-of-the-art environment. If you are living with hip pain, our experienced, compassionate team can offer cutting-edge treatment that will help you regain full mobility and a pain-free lifestyle. Hip labral tears are one of our areas of expertise and we look forward to working with you!

Preventing Hip Labral Tears

Some preventative measures you can adopt to decrease your risk of sustaining a hip labral tear include the following:

• Stretching, warming up, and cooling down properly before and after engaging in physical activity
• Wearing supportive footwear
• Strengthening the hip joint with targeted exercises
• Stop when you feel pain and take time to rest and recover in between strenuous activities
• Use proper techniques and equipment when performing physical tasks

Scheduling Your Appointment

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and regain your quality of life! We look forward to welcoming you to Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey.