Labral tear

Labral tear – injury to the cartilage structure attaching to the socket of the hip joint.  Typically occurs from a sudden trauma to the hip causing a forced extension or rotation or the hip joint, and can be mistaken for a hip strain.  Signs/symptoms include pain in the groin, catching sensation in the groin, weakness, and difficulty with walking or running.

Treatment

Treatment initially is nonsurgical or conservative and includes activity modification, anti-inflammatory medicines, and physical therapy to attempt to strengthen the surrounding hip muscles.

Surgery

Surgical treatment is necessary with failure of conservative treatment or continued mechanical symptoms of catching or locking in the hip joint.  Arthroscopic removal of the torn labrum is the gold standard.