This article describes the factors to consider when thinking about surgical treatment for a hip labral tear.
The hip labrum helps to deepen the socket, while also being flexible to allow for some movement.
But labral tears are very common, and they don’t usually cause symptoms.
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Often, labral tears do not need treatment.
Hip Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic hip surgery is an outpatient surgery that is often performed under general anesthesia.
Results of Surgical Treatment
A number of studies have reported good short-term results following arthroscopic hip surgery.
Only a few studies have compared surgical treatment to nonsurgical treatment.
However, 70% of the patients who didn’t have surgery ended up undergoing surgery later.
In almost all situations, nonsurgical treatment should be attempted before surgery.
It is clear that not every individual who has a hip labral tear needs arthroscopic hip surgery.
That said, many patients can find equally effective treatment with nonsurgical treatment.
In almost all scenarios, nonsurgical treatment should be attempted before considering arthroscopic surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends.
Surgery is not always required or recommended for a labrum tear.
A persons age, the extent of the injury, and overall hip health are factors to consider.
Surgery is not typically recommended for people ages 40 and up.
This is because a hip labrum tear is often an early sign of arthritis.
If you haveosteoarthritis, a hip replacement may be needed in the future.
It can take several months to fully return to normal after hip labrum tear surgery.
you might expect to walk with crutches for the first week or two.
After that, at least six weeks of physical therapy will be needed to help restore strength and flexibility.
On average, it takes about six months to fully recover after hip labral tear surgery.
Some people recover in as little as three months, while others take longer to heal.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Osteoarthritis of the hip.
2017;4(4):318-323. doi:10.1093/jhps/hnx014
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Hip arthroscopy.
“Hip Arthroscopy in Patients Age 40 or Older: A Systematic Review” Arthroscopy.
2017 Feb;33(2):464-475.e3.
