Acetabular Labral Tear
Deep hip pain that often goes undiagnosed for months or years
A hip labral tear is damage to the cartilage ring (labrum) that surrounds the hip socket, providing stability and cushioning. It is frequently associated with Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) — an abnormal contact between the femoral head and acetabulum. Common in athletes, dancers, and desk workers, it is often missed because symptoms mimic other hip or back conditions. MR arthrography — contrast injected into the joint itself — can show the labrum in detail when a standard MRI is inconclusive.
An abnormally shaped femoral head (cam) or socket (pincer) creates impingement during hip movement
Hip flexion, rotation, and pivoting movements pinch the labrum between the bones
The fibrocartilaginous labrum develops micro-tears, degeneration, or frank tearing
The hip joint loses its hydraulic seal, leading to cartilage damage and early arthritis if untreated
Deep groin or hip pain, clicking, locking, and reduced range of motion become chronic
Conservative treatment with physical therapy achieves good results in many patients. For those requiring surgery, hip arthroscopy has been reported to give good results in well-selected patients. It is important to diagnose the tear early and to assess the underlying shape of the hip (FAI, acetabular dysplasia) before starting treatment. Return to sport is possible for most athletes within 4–6 months after arthroscopy.
Don't delay: Hip labral tears are often misdiagnosed as muscle strain or low back pain for 1–2 years. Untreated labral tears accelerate cartilage damage and can lead to early hip arthritis. If you have persistent deep hip pain, ask whether MR arthrography is needed — a standard MRI does not always show the labrum clearly.