Labral Tears

What is a labral tear?

A labral tear of the hip is a common injury that affects the soft tissue "O-ring", called the labrum, which surrounds the hip joint to provide stability. A tear in this tissue can lead to pain, stiffness, muscle dysfunction, and decreased hip function.

Symptoms of a labral tear could include:

Pain in the hip or groin area, particularly during activities such as walking, running or sitting for long periods.
Clicking or catching
Stiffness especially after period of long sitting
Feelings of instability or giving way

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How is a labral tear diagnosed?

Labral tears can be very symptomatic but uncommonly happen in isolation, and it is important prior to any treatment that if there is an underlying cause, for it to be identified and treated at the same time.

Diagnosis of a labral tear usually involves a MRI scan, however, investigation of any underlying causes will require a detailed history, physical examination, and X-rays.

Some of the common underlying causes include:

Impingement - conflict between the bony parts of the hip secondary to structural abnormality
Hip dysplasia
Degeneration or arthritis
Repetitive movements in a more than normal range of motion such as running, cycling, and twisting
Trauma or injury

How is a labral tear treated?

Treatment of the labral tear will depend on the underlying cause, severity of the tear and the patient's function and symptoms. In many cases, conservative treatment will be recommended initially, including pain relief, physiotherapy to strengthen the hip, and activity modification to reduce stress on the hip.

In cases where conservative management is not successful or the tear is severe, surgical treatment may be recommended. This will depend on the presence of an underlying cause but may include hip arthroscopy to repair the torn labrum, other hip preservation procedures or, occasionally, total hip replacement.

If you are suffering from symptoms of a labral tear, it is important to get proper evaluation, diagnosis and management by a trained surgeon as rushing into the wrong treatment can be worse than no treatment at all. Dr Eardley-Harris is trained in all forms of non-operative and operative treatments for labral tears and will work with you to tailor a plan with consideration of your hip, your goals and your function.

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Note: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek professional medical advice for you, and your child's specific condition.

Meet Nathan

Adult & Paediatric Hip and Knee Surgeon

Dr Nathan Eardley-Harris has experience in providing care for patients throughout the entire spectrum of life

As an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Adelaide, South Australia specialising in hip and knee surgery covering very young children to the elderly and everyone in-between, Nathan offers personalised care to help patients find the best outcomes in every unique condition.

He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.

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Your condition, goals and challenges are unique to you, and your management should reflect that. There is no one-size-fits-all method for treatment - your care is tailored to your situation.

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With the latest technology including robotics and 3D personalised planning to support evidence-proven surgical techniques, you get accurate, precise results. If surgery is necessary, it’s customised to your situation.

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Comprehensive Surgical Care

Decision for Surgery

Together we have made the decision that surgery is the best pathway forward. Our team will discuss with you the timing and the location of your surgery, including the expected length of stay in hospital.

Personalised Surgical Planning

Dr Eardley-Harris will sit down and plan your specific surgery to best achieve your goals. This may involve further tests needed for the planning, as well as any unique circumstances to your condition or injury.

Preparation

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to be ready for the operation. This may include certain tests, medication management, and pre-surgery & aftercare information.

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris will visit you in the pre-operative room, and answer any other questions that you have, and ensure that you are ready for your procedure. During your surgery, our team will ensure you are comfortable and well-informed.

Recovery

Following surgery you will enter the recovery room, with specialised nursing care. Here, you and your family will be informed of the findings, allowing you to be confident in the outcome. You will follow your pre-planned aftercare procedures to allow your body to recover.

Questions

Choosing surgery is a significant decision that often involves careful consideration of various factors. If you have any questions throughout your process, feel free to ask Dr Eardley-Harris' team for further clarity.

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