What is the labrum and why does it tear?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the rim of the hip socket, working like a seal. It deepens the socket, keeps joint fluid in and contributes to stability.
Most tears are caused by repeated contact due to hip impingement. Less often they follow a single fall or twisting injury, or relate to a loose hip.
Symptoms
- Pain in the groin or front of the hip
- Catching, locking or clicking in the hip
- Worse with long sitting, stairs and sport
Diagnosis
Examination findings are confirmed with MRI; MR arthrography (with contrast injected into the joint) shows some tears more clearly. X-rays assess the bone shape behind the tear.
Treatment
Non-surgical
Physiotherapy, activity changes and, where appropriate, injections — the first option especially for new, small tears.
Arthroscopic repair
The torn labrum is reattached to the bone with small anchors through hip arthroscopy; impingement is corrected in the same operation.
Labral reconstruction
If the labrum is too damaged to repair, it can be rebuilt with a graft. Prof. Gürsoy has published an anatomical and biomechanical study of a new graft option for labral reconstruction.
Recovery
Some hip movements are limited in the first weeks so the repair can heal, followed by a staged physiotherapy programme. Return to sport is decided by progress in function testing.
Common questions
Does a labral tear heal on its own?
The labrum has a limited blood supply, so tears usually do not heal by themselves — but many patients improve with non-surgical treatment.
Repair or reconstruction?
Whenever possible your own labrum is repaired and preserved; reconstruction is an option when it cannot be repaired.