Acetabular labrum tear

Tear of the acetabular labrum of the hip

Acetabular Labrum Tear

An acetabular labrum tear is a condition affecting the hip joint, where the acetabular labrum, a ring of cartilage that follows the outside rim of the socket of the hip joint, is damaged. This condition can lead to pain, instability, and decreased range of motion in the hip.

A complex labral tear with an arthroscopic probe at the junction of the labrum and acetabular rim.

Anatomy

The acetabular labrum is a fibrocartilaginous structure that deepens the acetabulum (the socket of the hip joint) and provides a seal for the femoral head. It plays a crucial role in maintaining hip stability and distributing load across the joint.

Causes

Acetabular labrum tears can result from:

• Trauma: Direct injury to the hip, such as a fall or car accident.
• Repetitive motion: Activities that involve repeated hip movements, such as running or cycling.
• Hip dysplasia: A condition where the hip socket is abnormally shallow, increasing the risk of labral tears.
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): A condition where extra bone grows along one or both of the bones that form the hip joint, causing friction during movement.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of an acetabular labrum tear include:

• Pain in the hip or groin area, especially during activity.
• A clicking or locking sensation in the hip joint.
• Stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip.
• A feeling of instability in the hip.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an acetabular labrum tear typically involves:

• A physical examination to assess pain and range of motion.
• Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan to visualize the tear.
• Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, may be used for both diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment

Treatment options for acetabular labrum tears include:

Conservative Management

• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve range of motion.
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  Single leg bridge exercise for hip stability.
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  Side leg raise exercise to strengthen hip abductors.
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  Single leg balance exercise to improve proprioception.
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  Various exercises for acetabular labrum rehabilitation.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.

Surgical Intervention

• Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure to repair or remove the torn labrum.
• Hip replacement may be considered in severe cases where the joint is significantly damaged.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation following treatment focuses on restoring hip function and preventing future injuries. This includes:

• Gradual return to activity under the guidance of a physical therapist.
• Strengthening exercises for the hip and core muscles.
• Flexibility exercises to maintain range of motion.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with an acetabular labrum tear varies depending on the severity of the tear and the treatment approach. Many individuals experience significant improvement with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

Related Pages

• Hip joint
• Femoroacetabular impingement
• Hip dysplasia
• Arthroscopy