Acetabular labrum tear

An acetabular labrum tear, also called a hip labrum tear, is a common injury of the labrum of the hip joint, a structure that acts as a shock absorber, joint lubricator, stabilizer and pressure distributor. Most tears are thought to result from gradual damage through repetitive microtrauma, and the causes named include excessive force, hip dislocation, capsular hip hypermobility, hip dysplasia, running, pivoting sports such as hockey or ballet, and deterioration with ageing; an estimated 75 percent of tears have no identified cause. People typically have pain at the front of the hip or in the groin, less often in the buttock, and may notice clicking, locking or giving way. Because physical examination is limited, diagnosis relies on medical imaging, with magnetic resonance arthrography more reliable than plain magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy giving full confirmation. Initial care is usually conservative, with relative rest and anti-inflammatory and pain medicines, and labral reconstruction surgery may be considered to restore athletic ability, while the evidence for physical therapy is limited. Because tears are not tied to any specific action, they are hard to prevent.