Expert Hip Specialist

Hip Labral Tear: Restore Your Hip Function

Comprehensive treatment for hip labral tears. Dr. Daniel Feghhi provides personalized care using minimally invasive techniques to help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

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Board Certified
Fellowship Trained
15+ Years Experience
3d illustration showing back view of piriformis muscle movement
Understanding Labral Tears

What Is a Hip Labral Tear?

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket (acetabulum), providing stability and cushioning to the joint. A labral tear is damage to this crucial structure.

Causes of Labral Tears

Labral tears can result from traumatic injuries, repetitive motions, structural abnormalities like hip impingement (FAI), or degenerative conditions that wear down the cartilage over time.

Types of Labral Tears

Tears are classified as radial, longitudinal, or peripheral. Radial tears are most common, while peripheral tears may occur with hip instability. The location and type affect treatment recommendations.

Risk Factors

Athletes in sports with repetitive hip rotation, individuals with hip dysplasia, those with femoroacetabular impingement, and older adults experiencing cartilage degeneration are at higher risk.

Impact on Hip Function

A torn labrum can cause hip instability, pain with movement, catching or locking sensations, and decreased range of motion. It can also accelerate joint degeneration if untreated.

Who Is Affected?

Labral tears are most common in young adults and middle-aged individuals. They frequently affect athletes in sports like golf, tennis, hockey, soccer, and ballet.

Importance of Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage, preserve the hip joint, and restore function. Untreated tears may lead to early-onset arthritis.

Sports & Activities Associated with Labral Tears

Golf, tennis, hockey, soccer, baseball, ballet, martial arts, and activities involving repetitive twisting or pivoting motions.

Recognition & Diagnosis

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing the signs of a hip labral tear is essential for timely treatment and optimal outcomes.

Common Symptoms

Groin Pain

Deep pain in the groin or front of the hip, often worsened by activities like walking, sitting, or rotating the hip.

Catching or Locking

Sensation of catching, clicking, or locking in the hip joint during movement.

Limited Range of Motion

Difficulty moving the hip through its full range, especially internal rotation and flexion.

Feeling of Instability

The hip may feel loose or like it could give way during activity.

Limping

Changes in gait due to pain avoidance or hip dysfunction.

Diagnostic Methods

Physical Examination

Dr. Feghhi will perform specific tests including the impingement test, FABER test, and evaluate range of motion and stability.

X-Rays

Used to assess bone structure, check for arthritis, and identify structural abnormalities like FAI or hip dysplasia.

MRI Scan

MRI with contrast injection (MR arthrogram) provides detailed images of the labrum and surrounding soft tissues.

Diagnostic Injection

A hip joint injection with anesthetic can confirm whether the pain originates from the hip joint itself.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Hip Labral Tears

Dr. Feghhi offers comprehensive treatment options tailored to the severity and type of your labral tear.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

Rest & Activity Modification

Avoiding activities that aggravate the hip to allow healing and reduce symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory Medications

NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and manage pain during recovery.

Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises to strengthen hip muscles and improve stability.

Cortisone Injections

Anti-inflammatory injections into the hip joint to reduce pain and swelling.

Surgical Treatments

Hip Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera to directly visualize and treat labral tears.

  • Small incisions
  • Faster recovery
  • Outpatient procedure

Labral Repair

Surgical repair of the torn labrum using anchors and sutures to restore function and stability.

  • Preserves anatomy
  • Restores stability
  • Advanced techniques

Labral Reconstruction

For severely damaged labrum, reconstruction using donor tissue or graft material may be recommended.

  • Restores function
  • Joint preservation
  • Active lifestyle

FAI Correction

Surgical reshaping of the hip bone to remove impingement and prevent future labral damage.

  • Addresses root cause
  • Prevents recurrence
  • Combined procedures

Debridement

For degenerative tears, removal of damaged tissue to reduce symptoms and improve hip function.

  • Minimally invasive
  • Quick recovery
  • Pain relief

Hip Replacement

For severe arthritis or advanced degeneration, partial or total hip replacement may be recommended.

  • Lasting solution
  • Pain relief
  • Improved function
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about hip labral tears.

How long does it take to recover from hip labral tear surgery?

Can a hip labral tear heal without surgery?

What happens if a labral tear is left untreated?

Will I be able to return to sports after labral tear surgery?

What is the success rate of hip labral tear surgery?

How is hip arthroscopy different from open hip surgery?

Restore Your Hip Function Today

Don't let a hip labral tear limit your activities. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Feghhi and get personalized treatment to return to your active lifestyle.

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Our Locations

Visit Our New Jersey Offices

Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Dover

400 W Blackwell St
Dover, NJ 07801

(973) 328-1200

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East Brunswick

East Brunswick, NJ

(732) 333-8700

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Elizabeth

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 400-5990

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Hackensack

Hackensack, NJ

(201) 968-0230

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Wayne

Wayne, NJ

(973) 987-3040

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