Hip Labral Tears: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
- Ariel Davila Parrilla
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
Hip pain that lingers, worsens with activity, or feels like your hip is “catching” or “locking” may be more than a simple muscle strain. One of the most common causes of persistent hip discomfort is a labral tear. At the Puerto Rico Hip Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these injuries with both advanced non-surgical and surgical techniques.
What Is a Hip Labral Tear?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket (acetabulum). Its role is to:
Deepen the socket and improve stability.
Cushion the joint and distribute load.
Help maintain a smooth, pain-free range of motion.
A labral tear happens when this cartilage becomes damaged. Tears may result from:
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) – abnormal bone shapes that pinch the labrum.
Hip dysplasia – shallow sockets that put extra stress on the cartilage.
Sports injuries or trauma – sudden twisting or pivoting.
Degenerative changes – gradual wear and tear over time.
Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear
Many patients describe their symptoms as different from regular muscle pain. Common signs include:
Deep groin or hip pain, often sharp or stabbing.
Clicking, catching, or locking inside the joint.
Hip stiffness and reduced flexibility.
Pain that worsens with sitting, twisting, or high-impact activity.
A sensation that the hip is unstable or “giving way.”
How Is a Labral Tear Diagnosed?
Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential, because hip pain can come from many sources.
Physical exam: An orthopedic specialist will check range of motion and perform maneuvers that reproduce the pain.
X-rays: Useful for detecting bone deformities, such as FAI or dysplasia.
MRI arthrogram: The gold-standard imaging test for labral tears, using contrast dye to clearly show cartilage damage.
Expert evaluation: At the Puerto Rico Hip Institute, diagnosis is tailored to each patient, often combining imaging with advanced movement assessment.
Treatment Options for Hip Labral Tears
Non-Surgical Options
In many cases, symptoms can be managed without immediate surgery:
Activity modification: Avoiding movements that worsen pain.
Physical therapy: Strengthening muscles around the hip to improve stability and reduce stress on the joint.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain and swelling.
Injections:
Corticosteroid injections for targeted pain relief.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.
Surgical Treatment
If conservative care is not effective, surgery may be the best option.
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions. Using a camera and tiny instruments, the surgeon can:
Repair torn tissue with sutures.
Remove unstable cartilage.
Address underlying causes such as impingement.
Benefits include smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Recovery After Treatment
Non-surgical recovery: Patients often notice gradual improvement with physical therapy and injections, though recovery time varies.
After hip arthroscopy:
Short period on crutches to protect the joint.
Structured rehabilitation program to restore strength and mobility.
Return to daily activities in weeks; sports and high-impact exercise may take 3–6 months.
Each patient’s recovery timeline is unique and guided by their individual treatment plan.
Why Choose Puerto Rico Hip Institute?
Dr. Ariel Dávila-Parrilla and the team at the Puerto Rico Hip Institute offer unmatched expertise in hip preservation and arthroscopic surgery. Patients benefit from:
Fellowship training in advanced hip procedures.
State-of-the-art imaging and ultrasound-guided injections.
A personalized approach to both surgical and non-surgical care.
A commitment to restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing hip pain, clicking, or catching, you may have a labral tear. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and protect your joint health.
👉 Contact the Puerto Rico
Hip Institute today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ariel Dávila — Puerto Rico’s leading hip preservation surgeon.
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