Contact us
Precision Medicine
What is hip labral tear?
26 September 2025
A hip labral tear is a tear of the acetabular labrum, which is a ring of cartilage located on the outer part of the hip’s joint socket (acetabulum). It holds the head of the femur in place and acts as a joint cushion.
Generally, those most prone to a hip labral tear are athletes who play contact sports, although people with a morphological abnormality in their hip can also develop this injury.
The most common causes for a hip labral tear are:
- Injuries.
- Trauma.
- Congenital hip deformities.
- Repetitive actions.
It is important to diagnose and treat this injury promptly, as, otherwise, it increases the chances of developing osteoarthritis in the hip joint.
Hip Labrum Tear Symptoms
A hip labral tear can cause a deep pain in the joint, especially in the groin area, which can radiate to the thigh or buttocks.
This pain can intensify while walking, running, twisting the torso, or making sudden hip movements. In some cases, people feel morning stiffness or discomfort after sitting for a long time.
Beyond the pain, it is common to experience mechanical sensations like clicking, locking, or hip instability. All these symptoms can appear gradually, especially in athletes who perform repetitive flexion and rotation movements, or suddenly after an acute injury like a forced twist or a fall.
Diagnosis of a Hip Labral Tear
A detailed medical history is how the diagnosis begins. The doctor analyzes symptoms, a history of injuries, and physical activities that may have contributed to this damage. During the physical exam, specific maneuvers are performed to reproduce the pain and evaluate hip mobility.
To confirm the hip labral tear, the most common test is an intra-articular contrast MRI, also known as an arthro-MRI or magnetic resonance arthrogram, which allows the labrum to be visualized and tears to be detected.
X-rays can also be taken to rule out other bone injuries, and in some specific cases, a CT scan is used to evaluate the joint structure in greater detail.
Treatment Hip Labral Tear
Depending on the severity of the tear and the level of functional impairment, either a conservative or a surgical treatment can be chosen. Non-surgical measures include relative rest, physical therapy for muscle strengthening and improved stability, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain.
If conservative treatment does not improve the symptoms or if extensive damage has occurred, hip arthroscopy is performed. This minimally invasive procedure allows the damaged part of the labrum to be repaired or removed, restoring function or reducing pain.
Preventing a Hip Labral Tear
Preventing a hip labral tear focuses on protecting the joint from movements that could overload it or cause injuries. This includes a proper warm-up before physical activities, core strengthening exercises, and strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip. Stretching to maintain flexibility is also essential.
Another important action is to avoid overtraining, respect rest periods, and correct technique in sports that involve twisting, jumping, or changes in direction.
If a person has bone abnormalities that predispose them to a hip labral tear, early detection and preventive treatment are key to reducing the risk.
At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center of Centro Médico ABC, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
How can we help you?
Ricardo Ostos
Content CreatorLearn more about Ricardo on LinkedIn
The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
Interest-free
months in:
Interest-free
months in:
Specialty Centers
Diagnostic Studies
Check-ups
Hospitalization1
Valid until December 31, 2025. Promotions not cumulative. Subject to restrictions 1. In hospitalization, medical fees are not included. 2. Minimum amount: $1,500 for 3 to 6 months and $3,000 for 7 to 9 months 3. Minimum amount $1,500. (Cards issued abroad are not eligible).