Hip Labrum Tears

Frequently encountered but barely known Cause of Groin Pain

Groin pain can occur due to internal organ pathologies, such as inguinal hernia, and diseases originated from the hip joint. This can lead the patients to seek for a remedy in different branches.

Arthrosis and ligament tears in the hip joint are among the diseases frequently encountered in orthopaedic practice. Stating that hip arthrosis is a condition caused by deterioration of the articular surface and that the ligament tears are a disease different from this condition, Prof. Egemen Altan, MD, from the Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department of Kadıköy Florence Nightingale Hospital, gives insight about the ligament tears in the hip as follows: “The hip joint has a meniscus-like cushion tissue, called labrum, similar to the knee joint, and it wraps around the hip joint seat like a ring. Aside from the load transfer, damage and tears can occur in this tissue that allows the hip head to be securely placed within the seat. Tears in this cushion tissue also called as the ‘labrum tear’ can occur, particularly due to sports injuries. It manifests itself with a complaint of pain, particularly in the groin area. For the reasons that have just been mentioned, these patients may confuse this condition with a variety of other diseases and seek for a remedy in different branches.”

It may be congenital or develop later in life.

Inguinal tears mostly manifest themselves as pain and stinging sensations as a result of hip movements, walking, and, in rare cases, crossing their legs. Standing, sitting or walking for an extended period of time can also cause groin pain in some patients. In addition, complaints such as locking and snagging in the hip joint can occur. Highlighting that labrum tears can occur in people who have had hip trauma or because of minor but repetitive movements, Prof. Altan, adds: “Additionally, such tears can occur in people, who participate in a variety of sports, due to the factors such as sudden turning movements and long-term running. Moreover, congenital structural conditions can also increase the risk of damage in this structure.

Following non-invasive methods comes surgery

During the examination, the hip of the patient is brought into certain positions. Meanwhile, if symptoms such as sensitivity, pain, or snagging occur, it may raise concerns about tear. X-rays and MRIs are also useful in making a diagnosis. Stating that the physiotherapy practices, activity modifications and injections may bring benefit to the patients, who are diagnosed, in the early stages of the disease, Prof. Altan, continues: “However, torn tissue may need to be repaired in patients who do not benefit from non-surgical methods. Hip arthroscopy has risen to prominence as a surgical procedure that we have been applying frequently in recent years. According to this procedure, a deeply located joint, such as the hip, and possibly the tightest joint in the body, can be reached with a few small incisions. Some special instruments are utilized, unlike the arthroscopic procedures performed on other joints, that is to say, the procedures performed with a camera. Ligament tears can be repaired using these special camera systems by imaging the inside of the joint, just as in the knee and shoulder joint. As a result, a quick recovery and physical therapy process can be achieved following surgery.”

SPOT

“Strengthening the muscles in these areas, especially if you are interested in activities and sports that cause overload in your hip area, can minimize the risks. Joint deterioration may also occur in the long run in patients with a labrum tear in the hip.”

Hip Labrum Tears

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