The hip joint is designed for smooth, stable movement. It’s a ball-and-socket joint, where the head of the femur (thighbone) fits snugly into the acetabulum (hip socket). Surrounding the socket is a ring of tough cartilage called the labrum, which acts as a cushion and stabilizer, sealing the joint and maintaining proper movement alignment.
A labral tear occurs when this cartilage ring becomes damaged due to injury, overuse, or structural abnormalities in the hip. The result is pain, stiffness, clicking, or a “catching” sensation deep in the groin or outer hip.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating hip labral tears with precision and care — helping patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas regain mobility, strength, and confidence in every step.
The labrum serves two critical functions in hip health:
- It provides joint stability by deepening the socket and keeping the femoral head in place.
- It acts as a seal, maintaining proper joint lubrication and pressure.
When the labrum is torn, these protective functions are compromised. This leads to increased friction, instability, and eventual cartilage wear that can accelerate the development of hip arthritis if left untreated.
Labral tears may occur along the front (anterior) or back (posterior) portion of the labrum, depending on the cause and movement patterns.
Labral tears can develop from trauma, repetitive motion, or structural hip abnormalities.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive twisting or pivoting motions: Common in athletes, dancers, and runners.
- Trauma: Falls, car accidents, or sports-related injuries.
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): A bone abnormality that causes friction between the femur and acetabulum, leading to labral damage.
- Hip dysplasia: A shallow socket that increases pressure on the labrum.
- Degenerative conditions: Wear-and-tear or osteoarthritis gradually weaken cartilage.
- Capsular laxity: Looseness of the hip joint capsule that leads to instability.
Risk factors include:
- Age between 20 and 50 (most active years)
- Sports with repetitive hip rotation — golf, hockey, soccer, or ballet
- Previous hip injuries or surgeries
- Family history of hip structural issues
Hip labral tears often mimic other joint problems, which can make diagnosis challenging.
Symptoms may start as a mild ache and gradually intensify with activity.
Common symptoms include:
- Deep, sharp pain in the groin or buttock
- Clicking, locking, or catching sensation during hip movement
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Pain after sitting for long periods
- Hip instability or the feeling that the joint “gives out”
- Pain that worsens with twisting, squatting, or running
The discomfort may fluctuate — with sharp pain during activity and dull aches at rest.
A thorough diagnosis is essential, as labral tears often coexist with other hip conditions such as FAI or arthritis.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, conducts a detailed evaluation that includes:
- Physical examination: Testing hip range of motion and assessing for mechanical “clicking” or instability.
- Impingement test: A gentle maneuver that reproduces symptoms when the hip is flexed and rotated.
- X-rays: Identify structural abnormalities like FAI or dysplasia.
- MRI with contrast (MRA): Provides the most accurate visualization of labral damage and cartilage condition.
- Diagnostic injection: Local anesthetic injection into the joint to confirm that pain originates from within the hip.
This combination of clinical expertise and imaging ensures precise identification of the tear and any contributing mechanical issues.
The treatment plan for a hip labral tear depends on the severity of the tear, activity level, and presence of related conditions such as impingement or arthritis.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding deep flexion and twisting motions to prevent further damage.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Reduces pain and inflammation around the joint.
- Focuses on strengthening hip stabilizers, improving posture, and restoring mobility without aggravating the joint.
- Injections that use concentrated platelets to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Steroid injections: Provide temporary relief for inflammation and pain.
Surgical Treatments
When conservative care fails or the tear causes mechanical instability, Hip Arthroscopy may be recommended.
Dr. Burke uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to:
- Repair or remove the torn portion of the labrum
- Smooth damaged cartilage
- Correct bone abnormalities causing friction (as in FAI)
In some cases, Reconstructive Surgery is performed to restore joint alignment and preserve hip integrity long term.
Recovery from a labral tear depends on the size of the tear and whether surgery was performed.
- Non-surgical recovery: Improvement often occurs within 6–8 weeks of consistent therapy and activity modification.
- Post-surgical recovery: Most patients begin light movement shortly after arthroscopy and return to low-impact activities within 2–3 months.
Rehabilitation tips:
- Follow your physical therapy program precisely to rebuild strength and avoid re-injury.
- Avoid high-impact activities during early recovery.
- Gradually increase walking and stretching under professional supervision.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, personalized rehabilitation plans are designed to restore function safely and efficiently, ensuring the best possible outcome.
- Most patients resume daily activities within 3–6 months
- Continued exercise and bone-health management prevent re-injury
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, rehabilitation is personalized to each patient’s abilities and goals, supporting a confident return to independence.
Most patients recover fully from a labral tear when treated appropriately. If left untreated, however, ongoing friction in the joint can accelerate cartilage wear and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life.
With proper care, patients often return to sports, exercise, and active lifestyles pain-free. Preventive strategies include regular stretching, maintaining core and hip strength, and addressing biomechanical issues early.
You should see an orthopedic specialist if you experience:
- Deep, recurring groin or hip pain
- Clicking, popping, or locking sensations during motion
- Limited flexibility or stiffness
- Pain that worsens with sitting or twisting
- No improvement with rest or over-the-counter treatments
Early diagnosis helps prevent joint degeneration and improves long-term recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If hip pain or clicking is keeping you from staying active, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide expert care for labral tears using precise diagnosis and advanced orthopedic treatments.
We proudly serve patients in Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping restore strength, mobility, and confidence through individualized care.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip arthroscopy and joint preservation.
