Labral Tear Treatment in Illinois

Treatment & Care for Hip Injuries

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that runs along the outside rim of the socket of the hip joint. It acts as a seal to hold the ball at the top of the thigh bone secure within the socket of the hip, providing added cushioning and stability to the hip joint. A labral tear occurs when part of the labrum separates or is pulled away from the hip socket. Labral tears of the hip are most commonly associated with athletes and heavy laborers, and are typically the result of repetitive stress being placed upon the hip joint through extreme physical activities. However, labral tears can also be caused by trauma or underlying abnormalities of the hip or thigh bone.

Causes of a Labral Tear

A labral tear can sometimes be the result of a traumatic injury, such as a major fall or automobile accident. More commonly, however, labral tears are caused by a series of smaller repetitive injuries to the hip joint that gradually lead to damage of the labrum. Individuals who participate in certain athletic activities, such as hockey, figure skating and long distance running, are typically at a greater risk for labral tears of the hip. This is due to the heavy demands place on the hip joint during play, including repetitive twisting and extreme pivoting. In some instances, labral tears can also be caused by femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or other structural abnormalities of the hip.

Symptoms of a Labral Tear

The most common symptoms or indications of a labral tear of the hip include:

• Common cause of pain in active patients
• Pain in front of hip or into groin and may radiate to side of hip and buttock
• Pain may be associated with clicking or snapping type sensation, or feeling that hip “locks”
• Often caused by femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

Call (630) 584-1400 to schedule your appointment at Fox Valley Orthopedics.