Labral tear in shoulder or hip

A hip labral tear occurs when the ring of cartilage surrounding the hip socket becomes damaged or torn, often causing pain, stiffness or a catching sensation in the hip or groin. This injury can make everyday movements like walking, running or sitting for long periods uncomfortable. With an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan, most people find relief and return to the activities they enjoy.

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Detailed human anatomy showing muscles and bones of the arm and leg.

Anatomy of the hip

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where the rounded head of the thighbone, or femur, fits into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis called the acetabulum. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the edge of this socket. It deepens the joint, helps stabilize the femoral head and supports smooth, pain-free motion during daily activity.

When the labrum tears, the hip can lose some of that stability. This can lead to painful friction, catching or locking during movement. Left untreated, a labral tear can contribute to further joint damage or early-onset arthritis over time.

Overview

Symptoms

You may have a hip labral tear if you notice:

Pain in the hip or groin, especially when bending or rotating
Stiffness or limited range of motion
Catching, locking or clicking sensations
Weakness or instability when standing or walking
Discomfort after long periods of sitting or physical activity

Symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly after an injury. Early evaluation is important to help prevent further joint damage.

Causes

Hip labral tears can develop from injury, repetitive stress or structural differences in the hip joint. Common causes include:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), where abnormal bone shapes rub together and lead to tears
Repetitive motion from activities that involve frequent twisting or pivoting, such as running, hockey, golf or dance
Trauma from falls, collisions or car accidents that impact the hip
Gradual degeneration of joint cartilage over time
Hip dysplasia, a shallow hip socket that places extra stress on the labrum

Understanding what caused your tear helps your care team design a treatment plan that supports healing and protects your long-term hip health.

Risk factors

Certain factors can raise your risk of developing a hip labral tear, including participation in sports that involve repetitive twisting or pivoting, structural hip conditions like FAI or hip dysplasia, previous hip trauma and age-related joint wear. Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you'll develop a labral tear, but it's helpful information for your care team as they evaluate your symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a hip labral tear starts with a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam to assess your hip's motion, strength and stability. Imaging tests can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment planning:

X-rays assess bone alignment and help rule out conditions like FAI or arthritis
MRI or MR arthrogram provides a detailed view of soft tissue to confirm a labral tear
CT scans offer detailed 3D images of the hip structure when needed

Your care team will walk you through every finding in clear, simple terms so you understand your diagnosis and options.

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