Labral TearLabral Tear The acetabular labrum is a ring of cartilage around the edge of the bony socket of the hip joint. It provides stability to the joint by deepening the socket while allowing flexibility and motion. Causes Hip labral tears can be degenerative or acute. Degenerative labral tears are chronic injuries that occur as a result of repetitive use and activity and can be seen in the early stages of hip arthritis. Acute labral tears usually result from a sports injury, fall, or accident. Hip labral tears can be seen in association with episodes of hip dislocation or subluxation. They are also commonly associated with sudden, twisting maneuvers that cause immediate pain in the hip. Possible Treatments Rest Anti-inflammatories, if indicated by a physician Surgery, if indicated by a physician Physical Therapy Stretching Strengthening Soft tissue mobilization Modalities (e.g. ultrasound or electrical stimulation) Activity modification

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Labral Tears Symptoms & Pathologies

The acetabular labrum is a ring of cartilage around the edge of the bony socket of the hip joint. It provides stability to the joint by deepening the socket while allowing flexibility and motion.

Causes

Hip labral tears can be degenerative or acute. Degenerative labral tears are chronic injuries that occur as a result of repetitive use and activity and can be seen in the early stages of hip arthritis. Acute labral tears usually result from a sports injury, fall, or accident. Hip labral tears can be seen in association with episodes of hip dislocation or subluxation. They are also commonly associated with sudden, twisting maneuvers that cause immediate pain in the hip.

Possible Treatments

Rest
Anti-inflammatories, if indicated by a physician
Surgery, if indicated by a physician
Physical Therapy

Stretching
Strengthening
Soft tissue mobilization
Modalities (e.g. ultrasound or electrical stimulation)
Activity modification

Author:
Nicole Biberger, PT, MPT, MTC

References

Critical Pathways in Therapeutic Intervention: Extremities and Spine. David C. Saidoff, Andrew L. McDonough, 2002.

Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, 3rd Edition. Pamela k. Levangie, Cynthia Norkin, 2001.

Mosby's Medical Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary, 5th Edition. Kenneth N. Anderson, Lois E. Anderson, Walter D. Glanze, 1998.

Physical Rehabilitation: Assessment and Treatment, 4th Edition. Susan B O'Sullivan, Thomas J. Schmitz, 2000.

Cluett, Jonathan. “Labral Tear of the Hip Joint.” Orthopedics.About.Com. 5 Dec. 2009 <http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipinjuries/qt/labrum.htm>

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