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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing hip joint
Hip joint

A hip labral tear involves the ring of soft tissue that follows the outside rim of the socket of your hip joint. This ridge of cartilage, called a labrum, works a little like a suction cup to help hold your hip joint together.

Athletes who participate in such sports as ice hockey, soccer, football, golfing and ballet are at higher risk of developing a hip labral tear. Structural abnormalities of the hip can also lead to a hip labral tear.

Signs and symptoms include hip pain or a "catching" sensation in your hip joint. Initial treatment may include pain relievers and physical therapy. Using arthroscopic techniques, surgeons can remove loose fragments from within the joint and trim or repair the hip labral tear.

References
  1. Nuccion SL, et al. Intra-articular derangements. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2003. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/116370898-3/791075188/1103/793.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-8845-4..50027-2--cesec33_3306. Accessed Jan. 12, 2009.
  2. Shindle MK, et al. Arthroscopic management of labral tears in the hip. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2008;90(suppl):2.
  3. Bharam S. Labral tears, extra-articular injuries, and hip arthroscopy in the athlete. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2006;25:279.
  4. Neurological tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.

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March 24, 2009

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