Hip Labral Tear

9 July 2025

Overview

A hip labral tear is damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that lines the rim of the hip socket (acetabulum). The labrum acts as a seal, helping keep the femoral head stable while you move. When torn, it can cause groin pain, clicking, and a feeling that the hip might “give way”. At The New Foscote Hospital, our orthopaedic team offers rapid diagnosis, minimally-invasive treatment and tailored physiotherapy to get you back to pain-free movement.

Common Causes

Category	Typical examples
Sports injuries	Twisting or pivoting in football, hockey, rugby, dance

Repetitive overload

Long-distance running, golf swings

Hip shape (FAI)

Femoro-acetabular impingement can pinch and tear the labrum

Trauma

Falls, road-traffic accidents

Degeneration

Age-related wear or early osteoarthritis

Key Symptoms

Deep groin pain or ache in the buttock
Catching, locking or clicking when moving the hip
Stiffness or reduced range of motion (especially rotation)
Feeling the hip may “give way” during sport or stairs
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, squatting or pivoting

Diagnosis at The New Foscote Hospital

Specialist examination – assessing gait, range of motion and impingement signs.

High-resolution MRI arthrogram – gold standard to visualise labral tears.

X-ray – to identify bony impingement or early arthritis.

Diagnostic injection – local anaesthetic into the joint to confirm the pain source.

Treatment Options

Non-surgical management

Activity modification & load management
NSAIDs or guided steroid injection for inflammation
Targeted physiotherapy in our on-site gym to strengthen core, glutes and correct biomechanics

Surgical care

Hip arthroscopy (keyhole) to trim or repair the torn labrum and address impingement.
Day-case or overnight stay in our modern theatres with enhanced-recovery protocols.