Hip Labral Tears: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options

September 14, 2025

Hip Labral Tears: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
14 September, 2025

Hip Labral Tears_ Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment Options A hip labral tear is a condition where the labrum of the hip- which is the seal like ring of cartilage that protects or cushions the hip joint gets torn or injured. This can lead to a lot of pain and loss in flexibility and range of motion. This condition commonly affects athletes or active individuals, though you are at a higher risk of suffering from such a tear if you have structural deformities which may be congenital in nature, or may be due to any traumatic injury you may have suffered recently. This condition needs timely diagnosis and prompt treatment, so that you can get better soon. Non-surgical methods normally work in a majority of cases, but severe tears will need hip arthroscopy by the best orthopaedic surgeon in Hyderabad for hip injuries.

Causes of Hip Labral Tears-

There are a few well known causes, which can signal a hip labral tear-

One of the most common causes is when a femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs- this is when there is a structural problem with the hip and the bones don’t fit well enough. This can put too much pressure on the hip labrum and tear it.
Severe falls – due to accidents or sports injuries can cause labral tears too.
In older folk, osteoarthritis can naturally wear down on joints and this can affect the hip labrum too.

Symptoms To Know About-

Hip labral tears can have the following symptoms-

Hip pain- it may be dull and constant or become really sharp when you try to lie down on the affected side or try to get some exercise done. The pain also tends to shift- and can move to the groin, leg or even lower back.
You may have to deal with some degree of stiffness.
You may notice a clicking or popping sound from the hip, when you move.
You may not feel sure or steady of yourself, when moving around.

Advanced Treatment Options-

Hip labral tear treatment in Hyderabad orthopaedic hospitals like KIMS Sunshine can include simple non-surgical solutions like the use of painkillers, physical therapy and corticosteroids in most cases. But, for more severe tears, surgical repair becomes essential and that is when advanced arthroscopy treatment in Hyderabad hospitals can come in handy and help you regain lost movement and flexibility. Surgery will involve the repair of the torn cartilage at the hip. But, if the labrum tore because of a structural issue, surgeons may opt to reshape your bones, so they can fit snugly and better into the joints.

If you’d however like to pursue a non-surgical route, then we can provide advanced PRP therapy or stem cell based treatments too.

Conclusion

While an inflamed labrum can get better without surgery, a labral tear needs surgical repair. Whether you require surgery or not is decided by if you have too much pain which is affecting your daily quality of life and not allowing you to move freely. After surgery is done to repair the labrum, physical therapy and recovery options also need to be considered. Hip labral tear recovery options in multi speciality hospital Hyderabad are many and they can be personalised to your needs. You will likely require physical therapy for a few months after surgery. Pain reduction and better function of the joint is noted by the 3-6 months mark while complete recovery can take about a year or so. Talk to our orthopaedic doctors and surgeons so you get a better idea. Schedule a consultation with us at KIMS Sunshine hospital, today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hip labral tear and what causes it?

A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint. It helps stabilize the joint and allows smooth movement. Tears can result from trauma, repetitive motion (especially in athletes), structural abnormalities (like hip impingement), or degeneration over time.

Can hip labral tears heal without surgery?

Non-surgical healing is possible in minor cases. Conservative treatments include rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification. However, more severe or persistent tears often require arthroscopic surgery for full recovery.

How do orthopaedic doctors in Hyderabad diagnose hip labral injuries?

Orthopaedic doctors diagnose labral tears using a combination of physical exams, patient history, and imaging. MRI with contrast (MR arthrogram) is the most accurate test, sometimes supplemented by X-rays or CT scans to assess bone structure.

How long does recovery take after hip labral tear surgery?

Recovery after hip labral tear surgery generally takes 3 to 6 months. Patients may use crutches initially, followed by physiotherapy to restore strength, flexibility, and joint function. Athletes may need longer before returning to sport.

What is the difference between hip labral tear and hip arthritis?

A labral tear involves damage to cartilage at the edge of the socket, often in younger or active individuals. Hip arthritis is a degenerative joint disease, affecting the entire joint surface, and is more common in older adults. Labral tears cause sharp or catching pain with movement; arthritis causes chronic stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.