Hip Labral Tear

What Is a Hip Labral Tear?

A hip labral tear occurs when the labrum—the ring of cartilage surrounding the hip socket—becomes torn or damaged. The labrum helps stabilize the hip joint, cushion movement, and maintain smooth joint function.

Hip labral tears may develop gradually from repetitive motion or suddenly from injury or trauma. The condition can cause pain, stiffness, clicking sensations, and difficulty with physical activity or prolonged sitting.

At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, our fellowship-trained hip specialists provide advanced diagnosis and treatment options to help patients relieve pain, restore mobility, and return to an active lifestyle.

Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear

• Pain in the hip or groin area
• Clicking, locking, or catching sensations in the hip
• Hip stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Pain during walking, twisting, or exercise
• Discomfort with prolonged sitting
• Instability or weakness in the hip
• Difficulty participating in sports or physical activity

Causes & Risk Factors

Hip labral tears can result from injury, repetitive motion, or structural abnormalities within the hip joint.

• Sports involving twisting or pivoting motions
• Repetitive hip movement
• Hip impingement (FAI)
• Hip dysplasia or structural abnormalities
• Traumatic injuries or falls
• Degenerative wear over time
• High-impact physical activity

Diagnosis

At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, diagnosis begins with a detailed evaluation of the hip joint and surrounding structures.

• Physical examination of the hip and lower extremity
• Assessment of mobility, strength, and joint stability
• Review of symptoms and activity level
• X-rays to evaluate hip structure
• MRI or MR arthrogram imaging to identify labral damage

Accurate diagnosis is important because hip labral tears may share symptoms with other hip or lower back conditions.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Many patients improve with conservative treatment, especially when symptoms are mild or identified early. Non-surgical treatment options may include:

• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy and strengthening exercises
• Hip mobility and stability training
• Corticosteroid injections
• Low-impact exercise programs

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or when structural hip problems contribute to the tear. Hip arthroscopy may be used to repair or remove damaged tissue and improve joint function. Our orthopedic surgeons use advanced minimally invasive techniques designed to support recovery and long-term hip health.

At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, our fellowship-trained physicians provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for hip injuries and joint conditions.

• Experienced hip and sports medicine specialists
• Advanced imaging and joint evaluation
• Comprehensive non-surgical and surgical treatment options
• Minimally invasive hip arthroscopy techniques
• Convenient locations throughout Delaware and nearby Pennsylvania