Causes and risk factors
Hip labral tear can be caused due to direct blow to the hip joint. Missing a step while climbing stairs, falls, jerky movements like changing direction rapidly, vehicle kick, stopping suddenly while walking or running may lead to the tear. Activities involving overstretching of ligaments around the hip joint can cause labral tear. Basketball, football, soccer, and skiing, activities involving sudden twisting of the hip joint are common causes of labral tears.
Clinical presentation
Patient present with pain with swelling in the hip joint. There is stiffness and limp in walking. There is loss of full range of motion, tenderness along the joint line. Late symptoms include arthritis, hip joint instability. The injury can be a mild damage to the ligaments around the hip joint, involving slight stretch. The hip joint is stable. A considerable stretch can cause loosening of the ligaments and labrum. It is often called as partial tear of the ligaments or l;abrum. A complete tear includes splitting of ligaments into 2 pieces. This renders hip joint unstable.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the orthopaedic doctor helps in diagnosis. Imaging test which help to confirm diagnosis are X-ray and MRI scan. Arthroscopy will help in further evaluation.
Treatment
The treatment is non-surgical and surgical. Non-Surgical treatment consists of RICE – rest, immobilisation, compression and elevation. It includes physiotherapy treatment. It is recommended in elderly patient, low activity level, if overall stability of the knee is intact. Medications like analgesics are useful in relieving the pain. Surgical Treatment consists of refixation [rebuilding the labrum] or debridement [removal of portion of labrum]. It indicated in athletes or people who wish to continue their sports activity, young age, active lifestyle. Supportive care is given i.e. Rehabilitation is needed irrespective of the surgery to regain joint strength and motion.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating hip labral tear. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating hip labral tear.
