Hip Labrum Tears
The labrum is a specialized cartilage that forms a ring around the lip of the hip socket. (The name "labrum" is actually derived from the Latin word for "lip.") The purpose of the labrum is to help increase the stability of the hip joint. It also acts as a seal around the hip socket.
Causes of Labral Tears
Athletes who participate in such sports as ice hockey, soccer, football, golf, figure skating and ballet are at higher risk of developing a hip labral tear--sports or activities that place a significant amount stress and torsion on the hip joint. Structural abnormalities of the hip, especially "cam lesions," also can lead to a hip labral tear. In addition, as we age the labrum can gradually thin out, and even seemingly incidental movements can cause a tear.
Symptoms of Labral Tears
Many hip labral tears cause no signs or symptoms, especially as we get older. When symptoms DO occur the following are the most common:
Diagnosing a Labral Tear
While the patient history and physical exam can raise the suspicion of a labral tear, an MRI is required to confirm the presence of a tear. You cannot see labral tears on x-rays. (X-rays only show bones, not cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or muscles.) The ideal imaging study is an MRI Arthrogram. Before the MRI is performed the radiologist first injects a special dye into the joint (the arthrogram). The dye significantly increases the ability of the MRI to detect labral tears, especially smaller ones.
Treating Hip Labral Tears
The first step is to determine if the labral tear is even causing your symptoms. In our office we perform a simple and safe diagnostic injection into the hip joint under ultrasound guidance using some novocaine. If your symptoms go away temporarily then there's a good chance that the labral tear is causing your symptoms (assuming that there aren't other additional potential reasons for your pain such as arthritis!). Symptomatic labral tears often require surgical treatment. But as we age surgery is much less often indicated or helpful for symptomatic labral tears, especially if the tear is due to degeneration or wear and tear over time.
For those persons looking to avoid or delay surgery Regenerative Medicine treatments such as PRP and Stem Cells can be excellent alternatives, depending on the nature of the tear.* These minimally invasive injection treatments are performed right in the office and can stimulate a natural repair and healing response. They also have the added benefit of treating any arthritis in the joint at the same time! Our doctors at Valley Sports Physicians have been performing Regenerative Medicine treatments longer than most doctors in the country; few have our level of skill and experience. To learn more about Regenerative Medicine click the link below to get a FREE e-book.
(*NOTE: All Regenerative Medicine treatments are performed by our affiliate practice, the New England Stem Cell Institute.)
Causes of Labral Tears
Athletes who participate in such sports as ice hockey, soccer, football, golf, figure skating and ballet are at higher risk of developing a hip labral tear--sports or activities that place a significant amount stress and torsion on the hip joint. Structural abnormalities of the hip, especially "cam lesions," also can lead to a hip labral tear. In addition, as we age the labrum can gradually thin out, and even seemingly incidental movements can cause a tear.
Symptoms of Labral Tears
Many hip labral tears cause no signs or symptoms, especially as we get older. When symptoms DO occur the following are the most common:
- A sense of locking, clicking or catching in the hip joint
- Groin and/or hip pain
- Stiffness or limited hip range of motion
- A labral tear increases your chances of developing arthritis in the joint in later years, especially if you have arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the labrum.
Diagnosing a Labral Tear
While the patient history and physical exam can raise the suspicion of a labral tear, an MRI is required to confirm the presence of a tear. You cannot see labral tears on x-rays. (X-rays only show bones, not cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or muscles.) The ideal imaging study is an MRI Arthrogram. Before the MRI is performed the radiologist first injects a special dye into the joint (the arthrogram). The dye significantly increases the ability of the MRI to detect labral tears, especially smaller ones.
Treating Hip Labral Tears
The first step is to determine if the labral tear is even causing your symptoms. In our office we perform a simple and safe diagnostic injection into the hip joint under ultrasound guidance using some novocaine. If your symptoms go away temporarily then there's a good chance that the labral tear is causing your symptoms (assuming that there aren't other additional potential reasons for your pain such as arthritis!). Symptomatic labral tears often require surgical treatment. But as we age surgery is much less often indicated or helpful for symptomatic labral tears, especially if the tear is due to degeneration or wear and tear over time.
For those persons looking to avoid or delay surgery Regenerative Medicine treatments such as PRP and Stem Cells can be excellent alternatives, depending on the nature of the tear.* These minimally invasive injection treatments are performed right in the office and can stimulate a natural repair and healing response. They also have the added benefit of treating any arthritis in the joint at the same time! Our doctors at Valley Sports Physicians have been performing Regenerative Medicine treatments longer than most doctors in the country; few have our level of skill and experience. To learn more about Regenerative Medicine click the link below to get a FREE e-book.
(*NOTE: All Regenerative Medicine treatments are performed by our affiliate practice, the New England Stem Cell Institute.)