Hip Labral Tear

Hip labral tear symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the tear. Many patients experience:

• Deep hip or groin pain that may worsen with activity
• Catching or locking sensation in the hip joint
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Hip instability or feeling like the hip might give way
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving the hip
• Pain that radiates to the buttock or thigh
• Difficulty sitting for prolonged periods
• Increased pain at night or when lying on the affected side

These symptoms may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly following an injury.

Hip labral tears can result from various factors, including both traumatic injuries and repetitive stress. Common causes include:

Traumatic causes: Direct impact to the hip, falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sudden twisting movements can cause acute labral tears.

Repetitive stress: Sports that involve frequent hip rotation, pivoting, or deep hip flexion—such as hockey, soccer, golf, ballet, and martial arts—can gradually wear down the labrum.

Structural abnormalities: Hip conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or hip dysplasia can create abnormal contact between bones, leading to labral damage over time. Age-related wear and tear also increases your risk, as the labrum becomes less flexible and more prone to tearing as we age.

Diagnosing a hip labral tear requires a comprehensive evaluation by our orthopedic specialists. Your diagnosis may include:

Physical examination: We’ll assess your hip range of motion, perform specific tests to reproduce your symptoms, and evaluate your walking pattern and hip stability.

Advanced imaging: While X-rays can rule out other conditions and identify structural abnormalities, MRI with contrast (MR arthrogram) is often the gold standard for visualizing labral tears. This specialized imaging provides detailed views of the soft tissues around your hip joint.

Diagnostic injection: In some cases, we may use a targeted injection of local anesthetic into the hip joint to confirm that your symptoms are coming from a labral tear.

Our experienced team will work with you to determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach based on your specific symptoms and medical history.

You should schedule an evaluation with one of our hip specialists if you experience:

• Persistent hip or groin pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Hip pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Catching, locking, or giving way sensations in your hip
• Decreased athletic performance due to hip discomfort
• Hip stiffness that limits your range of motion
• Pain that worsens despite conservative treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage to your hip joint and help you avoid more extensive procedures down the road. Don’t let hip pain limit your activities—our team is here to help you find relief and get back to living your life to the fullest.