Labral Tear - Genesis Orthopedics & Sports MedicineGenesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Labral Tear


The labrum is the soft elastic band of tissue that surrounds the rim of the ball and socket joint in the hip. When a labral tear occurs, typical symptoms include a dull pain in the hip or grain, a catching or locking sensation in the hip joint, stiffness, and a limited range of mobility. A labral tear can happen as a result of numerous factors:

Repetitive motion: Athletes or individuals that repetitively twist or pivot their bodies such as golf or hockey players have a higher susceptibility of sustaining a labral tear.

Structural abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the hip joint due to birth defects can accelerate wear and tear on the hip which can eventually lead to a labral tear.

Trauma: Trauma occurring after an acute injury such as a sports accident or fall can cause a labral tear. Often times, a labral tear occurs at the same time as hip dislocation or subluxation.

Depending on the nature of the condition, Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will offer a personalized treatment plan.



Treatment Options:


Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medication that can be injected into the hip joint to reduce pain and improve range of motion.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be beneficial to individuals with a labral tear. Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine may prescribe physical therapy in order to maximize the hips range of motion and improve overall strength and stability. Depending on the severity of the condition physical therapy may be used in conjunction with other types of treatment such as a cortisone injection.


Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers debridement surgery options. Debridement surgery can be performed arthroscopically or through open surgery. Debridement is the removal of debris or damaged tissue from around the labrum in the hip joint.

Acetabuloplasty is another possible surgical treatment option for a labral tear. This procedure is commonly used when the acetabular socket has structural abnormalities that are causing excess wear and tear on the hip joint. Acetabuloplasty is the reshaping of the rim of the acetabulum socket in order to improve range of motion and protect the cartilage and femoral head and acetabulum from further wear or damage.

Finally, femorolplasty is a possible form of surgical treatment. Femoralplasty is the reshaping of the femoral head in order to improve range of motion and protect the cartilage of the femoral head and acetabulum.