Hip Labral Tear Surgery Singapore | Hip Labral Specialist

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Overview

What is a Hip Labral Tear?
Types of Hip Labral Tears
Signs and Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear
Risk Factors for Hip Labral Tears
How is a Hip Labral Tear Diagnosed?
Hip Labral Tear Treatment

What is a Hip Labral Tear?

A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint (acetabulum). The labrum plays a crucial role in stabilizing the hip joint, providing a tight seal that helps the femoral head move smoothly within the socket. When the labrum is torn, it can cause pain, instability, and a decreased range of motion in the hip joint.

Hip labral tears can occur due to trauma, structural abnormalities, or repetitive motion that places excessive strain on the hip joint. These tears are common among athletes, dancers, and individuals with hip impingement or degenerative conditions.

Types of Hip Labral Tears

Hip labral tears are classified based on their location within the hip joint:

The most common type, occurring at the front of the hip joint. These tears are frequently associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and repetitive hip flexion movements.

Less common, occurring at the back of the hip joint. These tears are often linked to activities that involve repetitive twisting motions or external rotation.

Located on the top portion of the acetabulum, these tears are sometimes related to hip dysplasia or direct trauma.

Signs and Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear

A hip labral tear can present with various symptoms, including:

Pain in the groin or hip region
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Clicking, locking, or catching sensations in the hip joint

Weakness or instability in the hip joint
Radiating pain into the thigh or buttocks
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, walking, or sports activities

Symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly after an acute injury. In some cases, individuals may experience mild discomfort that progressively worsens over time.

If you think you may have a hip labral tear, please reach out to us today for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.

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Risk Factors for Hip Labral Tears

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing a hip labral tear, including:

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): A condition where abnormal bone growth causes friction in the hip joint, leading to labral damage.
Hip Dysplasia: A structural abnormality where the hip socket is too shallow, increasing stress on the labrum.
Repetitive Movements: Athletes who engage in activities like soccer, hockey, ballet, or golf are at higher risk due to repeated hip motion.

Trauma: Direct impacts from falls, car accidents, or sports injuries can cause labral tears.
Degenerative Conditions: Osteoarthritis and other joint disorders contribute to cartilage wear and tear over time.
Genetics: Some individuals are predisposed to hip structural abnormalities that increase the risk of labral tears.

How is a Hip Labral Tear Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a hip labral tear involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests:

A doctor assesses hip range of motion, stability, and pain response through various specific tests.

Used to check for bone abnormalities, impingement, or arthritis that may contribute to labral tears.

An MRI along with an injection of contrast dye, provides a detailed view of the labrum and helps detect tears.

A numbing injection into the hip joint can sometimes help confirm whether the labrum is the source of pain.

Hip Labral Tear Treatment

Treatment options depend on the severity of the tear and the patient’s symptoms. Both non-surgical and surgical approaches are available.

Non-surgical Treatments

Hip Labral Tear Surgery

Non-surgical Treatments

Rest and Activity Modification – Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms can reduce stress on the labrum.
Physiotherapy – Strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving hip stability, and correcting movement patterns can alleviate pain and improve function.
Medications – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Injections – Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may provide pain relief and reduce inflammation.

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FAQs About Hip Labral Tears

Small tears may heal on their own or become asymptomatic with rest and physical therapy, which can improve strength and stability around the joint. However, larger tears may require surgery, as the labrum does not regenerate as easily as other tissues.

Recovery time typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, with physiotherapy being essential for regaining strength and mobility. Full recovery may take up to a year, depending on the severity of the tear and the type of surgery.

Walking is often possible, especially for smaller tears, but prolonged activity or high-impact movements can cause pain and discomfort. Adjusting movement patterns and resting may help manage the symptoms.

Untreated tears can lead to chronic pain, joint instability, and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis due to abnormal wear on the cartilage and disruption of joint function.

Yes, athletes in sports that involve repetitive hip movements, such as soccer, hockey, and ballet, are at a higher risk for labral tears due to the stress placed on the hip joint during these activities.

Pain is often sharp and deep in the groin, and it may radiate to the outer thigh or buttocks. It typically worsens with twisting, pivoting, or other activities that involve the hip joint.

Hip Labral Tear

What is a Hip Labral Tear?

Types of Hip Labral Tears

Anterior Hip Labral Tears

Posterior Hip Labral Tears

Superior (or Lateral) Hip Labral Tears

Signs and Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear

If you think you may have a hip labral tear, please reach out to us today for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.

Risk Factors for Hip Labral Tears

How is a Hip Labral Tear Diagnosed?

Physical Examination

X-rays

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with Contrast

Diagnostic Injections

Hip Labral Tear Treatment

Non-surgical Treatments

Hip Labral Tear Surgery

FAQs About Hip Labral Tears

Can a hip labral tear heal on its own?

How long does recovery take after hip labral surgery?

Can you walk with a hip labral tear?

What happens if a hip labral tear is left untreated?

Are hip labral tears common in athletes?

What does hip labral tear pain feel like?