Hip Labral Tear

U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for orthopedics

Nationally Ranked in Orthopedics

UT Southwestern Medical Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top hospitals for orthopedic care.

Hip labral tears affect the ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the hip joint and supports smooth movement. They can occur in people of all ages and activity levels and may happen suddenly or develop over time due to wear and tear. Many people who experience labral tears have hip impingement and may develop advanced arthritis.

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s orthopedic and sports medicine doctors are experts at treating hip labral tears. We offer specialized care for people who walk, run, or do yoga, as well as for athletes involved in hockey, soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, football, and other sports.

Our goal is for patients to move better and enjoy their activities again. We design personalized plans based on the severity of the tear, starting with conservative, nonsurgical options, and only recommending surgery when other treatments no longer help.

What Is a Hip Labral Tear?

A labral tear in the hip occurs when the labrum, a rim of cartilage around the hip socket, becomes damaged. It is a common cause of hip pain and stiffness.

The labrum helps keep the hip joint stable, cushions movement, and allows the thigh bone to move smoothly within the socket. When the labrum is torn, hip motion may become painful, limited, or unstable. Hip labral tears are often grouped by where and how the labrum is damaged:

Anterior labral tear: occurs at the front of the hip and is the most common type
Posterior labral tear: occurs at the back of the hip and is less common

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Hip Labral Tear Treatment?

UT Southwestern orthopedic and sports medicine providers are skilled at diagnosing and treating hip labral tears. Because of the muscles involved and how the hip is structured, these injuries can be complex and difficult to pinpoint. Without proper diagnosis or treatment, the tear can get worse. We often see patients with groin pain that is persistent or has worsened over months.

We offer comprehensive care for hip labral tears, from diagnosis through recovery. Our specialists treat the whole patient, focusing on overall health and only recommending surgery when absolutely necessary. This includes advanced minimally invasive hip arthroscopy, as well as other procedures to correct the hip structure.

Our UT Southwestern hip specialists create personalized treatment plans for each patient and use evidence-based techniques and advanced imaging to support an accurate diagnosis and effective and coordinated treatment and recovery plans.

Patients who choose UT Southwestern’s orthopedic experts also benefit from:

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons with experience treating the full spectrum of hip conditions
Specialists with experience serving as team doctors for professional sports teams and elite athletes, with the advanced skills needed to maximize patient care and recovery
Care within a leading academic medical center recognized for orthopedic expertise and innovation

What Are the Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear?

Hip labral tear symptoms can vary based on the size and location of the tear. Some people may have minimal symptoms, while others experience ongoing discomfort. It’s possible to have a hip labral tear and experience no pain.

When patients do experience symptoms, they include:

Hip or groin pain, especially with movement
Stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip
A clicking, locking, or catching sensation in the hip joint
Pain while walking, running, twisting, or prolonged sitting
A feeling of instability or weakness in the hip

What Causes a Hip Labral Tear?

Hip labral tears can develop from an injury, a repetitive motion, or structural problems in the hip joint. Common causes include:

Hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), an abnormal hip bone shape that causes joint friction
Repetitive hip movements, especially in sports that involve twisting or pivoting
Hip injuries such as falls, accidents, or direct impacts
Degeneration of cartilage related to aging or arthritis

How Is a Hip Labral Tear Diagnosed?

We begin with a medical history review and a physical examination to assess hip motion and pain patterns. Imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis, including:

X-rays to evaluate bone structure and rule out other conditions
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize cartilage and soft tissues
MRI with contrast dye, which can improve detection of labral tears

How Is a Hip Labral Tear Treated?

Our team will develop a care plan that depends on symptoms, activity level, and the extent of the tear. We generally start with nonsurgical care and recommend surgery only when conservative treatments don’t provide relief.

Physical therapist stretching woman's hip

Nonsurgical hip labral tear treatments may include:

Activity changes to reduce hip stress
Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and stability
Steroid injections to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation

Surgical options include:

Minimally invasive hip arthroscopy to repair or remove damaged labral tissue. Our advanced hip arthroscopy techniques result in quicker recoveries, better pain control, and more precise surgery.
Correction of underlying hip structure issues when appropriate

What Support Services for Hip Labral Tears Does UT Southwestern Offer?

UT Southwestern has a wide range of support services available to patients receiving either nonsurgical or surgical care for hip labral tears. These include:

Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
Pain management services
Education to support recovery and long-term joint health

What Clinical Trials Are Available for Hip Labral Tears?

UT Southwestern participates in a number of clinical research studies focused on improving hip care and hip labral tear treatments. Some patients may be eligible to take part in clinical trials that explore new treatments or approaches.

Ask our doctors about current studies or search for clinical trials.

Related Conditions and Treatments

Surgeon in scrubs standing in an advanced operating room

Award-Winning Care

We’re one of the world’s top academic medical centers, with a unique legacy of innovation in patient care and scientific discovery.

Why UT Southwestern

UTSWMyCare

UT Southwestern’s patient care app – UTSWMyCare – helps you easily manage your health and stay connected to UTSW and your provider, all in a secure and safe environment.

Learn More