The hip labrum is a ring of cartilage that runs along the outside rim of your hip joint. Along with cushioning the hip joint, the labrum acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help hold the ball at the top of your thighbone securely within your hip socket.

What is a Hip Labral Tear?

The labrum is a rubbery cartilage layer that forms a seal around the rim of the hip socket. Tears of the labrum most commonly occur due to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) where there is extra bone around the rim of the hip socket or on the front of the femur. Tears may also occur due to hip dysplasia (an underdeveloped hip joint) or from falls and sporting activity. Tears are more likely in those who have hypermobile joints.

What are the symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear?

Symptomatic FAI, hip dysplasia and labral tears may cause pain in the groin. You may notice a clicking sensation or a feeling like the hip coming out of the joint. Additionally, some patients with a hip labral tear may notice pain in the buttocks region or a feeling of unsteadiness on their feet. Pain may be worse when moving the hip, during sport for example.

How is a Hip Labral Tear diagnosed?

MRI scans are the imaging test that shows labral tears. However, labral tears identified on MRI scans do not always cause symptoms, therefore a careful discussion and examination with a specialist is necessary to make sure the diagnosis is correct. A set of hip x-rays and sometimes a CT scan is needed to help identify underlying causes for labral tears. In addition, a physical exam that explores your movement, your hip and any pain perception is helpful.

How is a Hip Labral Tear treated?

In many cases, a course of physiotherapy can help to alleviate the symptoms. In addition, conservative treatments may including oral anti-inflammatories or steroid injections.  However, if the symptoms persist then keyhole surgery (hip arthroscopy) can be used to repair or smooth off the damaged labrum and remove any extra bone. This surgery is often the most effective course of action for some patients who are suffering significant pain or immobility due to their hip labral tear.

What is the outlook following treatment for a Hip Labral Tear?

Conservative treatments do not always fully solve the problem but are often effective in restoring movement and reducing pain. Your consultant will explain the best course of treatment and expected outcomes specific to your injury or concern. Where surgery is recommended patients can often return to full mobility within 6 months, including high impact sports.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain in their hand or wrist and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of this condition with excellent patient outcomes.

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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of hip -related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.

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HIP CONDITIONS

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HIP TREATMENTS

If you would like to learn about other hip treatments click the button below to find out more

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our hip SURGEONS

Hip care at Grosvenor Orthopaedics is led by Mr Simon Newman, Mr Chethan Jayaden, Mr Emeka Oragui and Mr Mark Webb. They are further supported by the orthopaedic team including other consultant surgeons, nurses and care staff. We perform over 300 hip replacements each year but offer a broad range of hip treatments to patients both young and old.

Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of hip problems utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here

MR SIMON NEWMAN

Consultant Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon

BSc(Hons) BM PhD FRCS(Tr&Orth)
Simon is a Consultant Hip Surgeon practising at the world-renowned Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London; The Lister Hospital, Chelsea and King Edward VIIs Hospital, Marylebone. He has a particular interest in the hip joint and has developed a large practice treating hip problems in adults of all ages. His philosophy is to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients which involves engaging patients in the decision-making process about their treatment and utilising non-operative techniques, where possible. Should surgery be required, Simon performs any procedure with care, planning and precision.
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MR EMEKA ORAGUI

Consultant Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon

MA (Cantab), MBBS, MBA, FRCS (Tr & Orth)
meka is a Consultant Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon practising at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. His practice includes all aspects of hip surgery including hip replacements, hip redo or revision surgery, hip arthroscopy and sports injuries around the hip including sports man’s hernia (Gilmore’s Groin) and adductor longus tears and tendinitis. He uses the muscle sparing direct anterior approach for hip replacements which allows some patients a faster recovery.
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MR MARK WEBB

Consultant Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon

MBBS MSc FRCS (Tr & Orth)
Mark is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a passion for sports related injuries. He strives to not only provide excellent surgical treatments but also rounded, bespoke care that allows his patients to get back to the activities they love. This is evident in his specialist training which includes a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine from University College London to help him when treating all levels of athletes. Alongside surgical treatments, Mr. Webb offers non-operative (conservative) options including using orthobiologics, such as PRP and stem cells, to treat the symptoms of early arthritis, as well as tendon injuries. Treatment plans are tailored to the patient’s requirements and expectations using the best evidence available
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MR SIMON HISLOP

Consultant Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon

MBBS MSc(Oxon) FRCS(Tr&Orth)
Simon is a Consultant Hip and Knee Surgeon practising at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, and the Lister Hospital, Chelsea. His high volume specialist practice encompasses primary and revision hip and knee replacement surgery, arthroscopic knee surgery, and lower limb trauma. He has a reputation as a thorough, meticulous, and skilled surgeon who always put patients first, providing tailored treatment plans for a high quality patient journey.
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What some of our patients say

Mrs JS

Thank you to the whole team for getting me back on my feet again

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