The Science of Hip Labral Tears
Hip labral tears involve damage to the acetabular labrum - a ring of fibrocartilage that runs along the rim of the hip socket (acetabulum), acting like a suction cup to enhance stability. The labrum provides a suction seal that maintains negative pressure within the joint, contributing significantly to hip stability. When torn, this can result in mechanical symptoms and altered joint biomechanics. Critically, labral tears very often occur in conjunction with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). An X-ray or MRI can identify the specific bony morphology and assess the health of the acetabular labrum, but understanding the relationship between these conditions is crucial. A cam-type FAI morphology can make contact with the socket and labrum during deep hip flexion, leading to a pinching sensation and potential stress on the labrum over time. However, not all labral tears are symptomatic - many people have labral tears without pain. The development of symptoms depends on the tear's location, size, the individual's activity demands, and importantly, the presence of underlying bony abnormalities like FAI. Treating an isolated labral tear without addressing underlying FAI morphology may lead to poor outcomes, as the mechanical cause of the tear remains unaddressed.