A persistent ache or click deep in your hip may signal a hip labral tear, a common injury affecting the hip's stability. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that keeps the hip joint secure. When it tears, movement and quality of life can be disrupted.
Though common in athletes , this injury can affect anyone. Fortunately, with the right knowledge, diagnosis and treatment, full recovery is possible. Read on to find out how these tears happen and how they are managed.
By Arete Orthopaedic Centre
Medically Reviewed by Dr Wang Lushun
A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the strong ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket (acetabulum). The labrum deepens the socket and forms a suction seal around the femoral head, helping to stabilise the joint and absorb shock during movement. When this cartilage becomes torn, its stabilising function is reduced, which can lead to deep groin pain, clicking or catching sensations and stiffness in the hip.
A hip labral tear doesn’t always happen from one sudden event. In many cases, the injury forms gradually as the hip experiences repeated stress or structural strain.
Some people with a small hip labral tear may have no symptoms at all. When symptoms are present, individuals often notice:
Symptoms can vary – the type and intensity of pain often depend on how severe the tear is and whether other hip conditions are present. If discomfort continues despite rest or physiotherapy, it is advisable to seek an orthopaedic evaluation for proper diagnosis and management.
A hip labral tear is diagnosed using a combination of physical examination and imaging tests.
Clinical Examination
Your doctor will assess your hip movement, identify positions that trigger pain and check your range of motion. The assessment may include specific manoeuvres and observing how you walk to determine whether symptoms originate from the hip joint.
Imaging Tests
X-rays are usually done first to look for bone abnormalities such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or early arthritis. MRI or magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) scans provide clearer views of the labrum and surrounding soft tissues, with MRA offering enhanced detail by outlining the labrum with contrast dye.
If the diagnosis remains uncertain, an ultrasound-guided anaesthetic injection into the hip may be used. If pain improves after the injection, it suggests the source of symptoms is inside the joint, supporting the possibility of a labral tear.
Management of a hip labral tear depends on the severity of the injury, its underlying cause and your daily activity needs. Most patients begin with non-surgical options, but if the tear is significant or symptoms continue to interfere with movement, surgery may be recommended.
Many mild tears can be managed without surgery, especially if pain is manageable and mobility is not severely restricted.
If pain persists despite conservative care or if the tear is affecting your ability to move comfortably, surgery may be considered.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the potential risks, expected recovery timeline and rehabilitation plan with you before surgery so you can make an informed decision.
Some small tears may become symptom-free with rest, activity modification and physiotherapy, although the torn tissue itself typically does not fully heal. Many patients can manage their symptoms well without an operation.
Yes. Labral tears are more common in athletes who frequently twist, pivot or rotate the hip, such as those involved in football, ballet or golf.
Recovery times vary from person to person, but most patients return to normal activities within 4–6 months with a structured rehabilitation programme.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Wang Lushun is an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in treating a wide range of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. He has in-depth experience in minimally invasive surgery and advanced robotic surgery. Dr Wang provides orthopaedic care to athletes and everyday individuals throughout their journey to recovery.
