Acetabular Labrum Tears

What is Acetabular Labrum Tears?

The hip labrum serves as a crucial component of the hip joint. The hip joint is comprised of the head of the femur (thigh bone) which serves as a ball which sits in the socket of the acetabulum (outer part of the pelvis). The Labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the ball and socket hip joint. Its primary function is to deepen and stabilise the hip socket, providing essential support during various movements and activities. Beyond structural support, the hip labrum plays multiple roles in maintaining joint health and functionality. It acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the joint during weight-bearing activities and reducing impact-related stresses. Additionally, the labrum aids in joint lubrication, facilitating smooth and frictionless movement within the hip joint. Moreover, it helps distribute pressure evenly across the joint surface, promoting optimal biomechanics and reducing wear and tear.

Injuries to the acetabular labrum often occur as a result of trauma, which can be either a significant acute injury or repetitive micro-trauma over time. The two presentations that are often seen for acetabular labral tears include an anterior labral tear and a posterior labral tear. Anterior labral tears are usually consistent with pain experienced at the front of the hip or at the groin. Opposed to this, posterior labral tears are usually in the outer region of the hip or deep in the buttocks. The pain that is experienced is often worse at night and exacerbated by physical activity. Patients with labral tears may also report symptoms such as clicking, locking, or a sensation of the hip giving way during movement, indicating instability and dysfunction within the joint.

Several risk factors contribute to the development of labral tears, including conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), capsular laxity, or hip dysplasia, which alter the biomechanics of the hip joint and increase stress on the labrum. When the hip labrum is torn, it can lead to additional damage to the surrounding cartilage (chondral damage) and may contribute to early degenerative changes in the joint, ultimately increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.

Early detection and appropriate management are essential to prevent further damage and preserve hip joint function in individuals with labral tears. The management for labral tears will usually tend towards conservative management, focusing on improving pain and strength through exercise and manual therapy. If conservative management has been trialed for an extended period and symptoms are still unmanageable, surgical intervention can become a potential option.

If you think you may be suffering from Acetabular Labrum Tear, we have a team who is ready to help you and get you on the road to recovery. Book an appointment with Precision Health today! Call us on (02) 9639 7337 or book online.

Sources

Groh, M.M. and Herrera, J. (2009) ‘A comprehensive review of hip labral tears’, Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2(2), pp. 105–117. doi:10.1007/s12178-009-9052-9.

 Lewis, C.L. and Sahrmann, S.A. (2006) ‘Acetabular Labral tears’, Physical Therapy, 86(1), pp. 110–121. doi:10.1093/ptj/86.1.110.

 Yazbek, P.M. et al. (2011) ‘Nonsurgical treatment of acetabular labrum tears: A case series’, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 41(5), pp. 346–353. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3225.

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