Hip Labral Tear Treatment In Phoenix, AZ – Mountain View
Hip labrum tears may lead to ongoing discomfort and interfere with daily activities, potentially limiting overall mobility. This condition involves the labrum, a ring of soft cartilage that helps stabilize the hip joint, and can result in pain and reduced range of motion.
While hip labrum tears are often associated with athletes, dancers, and individuals who engage in repetitive movements, they can affect anyone, regardless of activity level. Underlying structural variations in the hip joint may also play a role. At Mountain View Headache and Spine Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, physicians in the licensed Regenexx network may help evaluate and address symptoms of hip labrum injury through interventional orthobiologic procedures using Regenexx lab processes. Early recognition of symptoms and consultation with your physician may help guide treatment planning and prevent progression of the condition.
How the Hip Labrum Supports Joint Stability
The hip labrum is a cartilage ring that surrounds the outer edge of the acetabulum (hip socket). It plays a central role in maintaining joint stability by forming a seal around the acetabulum, helping to keep the femoral head (top of the thighbone) properly positioned within the joint. This seal allows for smoother hip motion and may help reduce friction between bones.
Additionally, the labrum contributes to the even distribution of joint pressure during everyday activities such as walking, twisting, and running. Its cushioning effect may help increase the range of motion while offering joint protection against wear and tear over time.
What Is a Hip Labrum Tear?
A hip labrum tear refers to damage to the cartilage that lines the rim of the acetabulum. This condition may develop gradually from repetitive stress or may result suddenly from trauma, such as a fall or direct impact. At Mountain View Headache and Spine Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, your physician may evaluate these symptoms to determine appropriate next steps.
A tear in the labrum of the hip can result in pain, instability in the hip joint, and a reduction in motion. The severity of these symptoms may vary. Some individuals may notice only mild discomfort, while others may find daily activities more difficult.
Types of Labral Tears
Tears in the hip labrum may occur in different parts of the cartilage. The location of the tear can influence the type of symptoms experienced and the activities that may worsen the condition. The two main types are anterior and posterior labral tears.
Understanding where the tear has occurred can help clarify the source of discomfort and guide treatment decisions made by a physician in the licensed Regenexx network.
- Anterior tear: Located in the front of the hip joint, this is the most common type. It is often associated with repetitive hip flexion and rotation from activities such as running, soccer, or hockey. This tear may result in pain at the front of the groin or hip, particularly during movement.
- Posterior tear: Found in the back of the hip joint, posterior labral tears are less common. They may develop due to sudden impact or twisting, such as in gymnastics or football. This type of tear may lead to discomfort or a catching sensation deep in the buttock or rear of the hip.
Common Hip Labrum Tear Symptoms You May Experience
Although a labral tear in the hip may not always cause symptoms, certain signs are commonly associated with this condition. Clicking, locking, or catching in the joint, pain in the hip or groin, and limited range of motion may be noted.
Not all labral tears are painful. When pain is present, other conditions such as sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, nerve compression, or issues involving muscles, ligaments, or tendons may also be contributing factors. Evaluation at Mountain View Headache and Spine Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, may help determine the true cause of these symptoms.
- Catching or Locking Sensation: This may include clicking, stiffness, or pain in the hip or groin. In some instances, discomfort may result from issues unrelated to the labrum, such as SI joint instability or pinched nerves.
- Front-of-Hip Pain: This may indicate a hip flexor strain, labral tear, or joint irritation. Movements like climbing stairs or walking may cause stiffness or discomfort. Read More About Front-Of-Hip Pain.
- Loose Hip Joint: Instability may arise from ligament laxity, previous injury, or degenerative changes. A slipping or giving-way feeling may occur. Read More About Loose Hip Joints.
- Butt Pain: This may be due to muscular strain, joint dysfunction, or sciatic nerve compression. Pain may radiate into the lower back or legs. Read More About Butt Pain.
- Low Back Pain: Discomfort in this region may be caused by disc changes or spinal degeneration. Sitting, standing, or specific movements may worsen symptoms. Read More About Low Back Pain.
Causes of a Torn Hip Labrum
Tears of the hip labrum may arise from several contributing factors. Understanding these causes can assist physicians in the licensed Regenexx network in evaluating risks and planning treatment.
- Structural issues: Irregular joint structure, such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), may limit how the femur fits into the socket. This mismatch can result in persistent groin pain and lead to osteoarthritis if left unaddressed.
- Trauma: A direct blow or fall may force the hip into unnatural positions. Sports involving collision or twisting, such as football or ice hockey, may increase the likelihood of injury.
- Degenerative osteoarthritis: As cartilage wears away over time, the labrum may become more vulnerable to tearing. Factors such as age and increased body weight may contribute to this process.
- Repetitive motion: Activities involving rotation or twisting, including running and soccer, may cause repeated microtrauma that leads to labral damage over time.
Diagnosing Hip Labrum Tears
To diagnose a hip labrum tear, a physician will conduct a physical exam, review the individual’s history, and often recommend imaging. At Mountain View Headache and Spine Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, this process may include specific movement tests to identify pain and instability.
An MRI with contrast dye is commonly used to view soft tissues like the labrum. In some cases, X-rays may also be used to assess the joint’s bony structures. These diagnostic tools help guide treatment decisions based on the severity of the tear.
Conventional Treatment Options
Treatment options aim to address pain and improve mobility. A physician at Mountain View Headache and Spine Institute may recommend one or more of the following:
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce pain and inflammation. However, long-term use can lead to complications affecting the heart or kidneys. Read More About Non-Steroidal and Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
- Medications: Pain relievers may be used short-term to manage symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises may strengthen the muscles around the hip and reduce pressure on the labrum.
- Surgical Options: Surgery may be considered when other options are not effective. Surgical methods include:
- Arthroscopic Labral Repair: The torn section of the labrum is reattached.
- Arthroscopic Debridement: Damaged tissue is removed to reduce discomfort.
- Labral Replacement: In some cases, grafts are used to restore joint function.
- Hip Labral Tear Surgery: Surgery for a hip labral tear may involve repairing or removing damaged cartilage within the hip socket. This procedure is often performed arthroscopically to help improve joint stability and reduce discomfort associated with labral injuries. Read More About Hip Labral Tear Surgery.
Risks of Hip Labrum Surgery
There are risks linked to surgery for hip labral tears. Procedures that remove portions of the labrum may increase the potential for joint degeneration over time. Surgery outcomes can differ from person to person.
Before undergoing surgery, individuals are encouraged to consult with a physician in the licensed Regenexx network. At Mountain View Headache and Spine Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, your physician can help evaluate whether procedures using Regenexx lab processes may offer a less invasive alternative to surgery.
Can Hip Labrum Tears Be Treated Without Surgery?
If you have been informed that a labral tear is contributing to your hip pain and that surgery is the only option, it may be helpful to explore less invasive alternatives. Available treatment options include approaches that do not involve surgery.
Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network may use interventional orthobiologics to address hip labrum tears without surgical intervention. Whether the tear is related to a traumatic injury or a degenerative condition, the Regenexx approach may help reduce discomfort and support the body’s natural healing response.
This non-surgical method is designed to offer a less invasive alternative to conventional surgical procedures, with the potential for reduced recovery times and fewer associated risks. Individualized treatment plans may include one or more orthobiologic injectates:
| Regenexx-SD | Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Return to Daily Routine | 2 to 5 days | 6+ weeks |
| Return to Sports | 3 to 6 months | 1 year |
| Recovery | Brace, up to 6 weeks PT | Crutches, brace, extensive, no driving, 3 to 6 months PT |
| Pain Management | Mostly over-the-counter pain medication (days) | Prescription pain medication for weeks (weeks) |
| General Anesthesia | No | Yes |
| Keep Your Hip Labrum | Yes | No |
Regenexx-SD Injectate
Procedures using Regenexx-SD injectate follow a patented protocol that includes lab processing of Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC), which contains the patient’s own cells, including mesenchymal signaling cells. The Regenexx lab processes used by physicians in the licensed Regenexx network are designed to produce a BMC sample with significantly higher concentration levels than those prepared through non-Regenexx methods. This customized preparation may support the body’s natural ability to reduce pain and improve function in orthopedic conditions.
Regenexx-SCP Injectate
Procedures using Regenexx-SCP injectate involve an enhanced preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Blood is drawn and processed using Regenexx lab processes to isolate and concentrate growth factors. This injectate is then administered into the target area using image guidance to improve delivery accuracy. Regenexx-SCP injectate contains a higher concentration of growth factors than typically found in standard PRP preparations and may help promote the body’s natural healing response in musculoskeletal injuries.
Regenexx-PL Injectate
Procedures using Regenexx-PL injectate utilize a lab-processed version of platelet lysate (PL), which is a specialized derivative of platelet-rich plasma. Regenexx-PL injectate offers a faster and more concentrated release of growth factors compared to standard PRP injectates. In some cases, Regenexx-PL may be combined with other Regenexx injectates, such as bone marrow concentrate or PRP, as part of a customized plan developed by a physician in the licensed Regenexx network. These procedures are intended to support tissue healing and improve joint function without medications or surgery.
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Phoenix, AZ 85016
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| Saturday | Closed |
BEFORE and AFTER Procedure MRI Images
These MRI images show a case involving a patient who chose a procedure using Regenexx lab processes instead of surgery.
- Right image (Before treatment): This MRI shows a tear in the labrum of the hip, indicated by the triangle-shaped space within the dashed yellow circle.
- Left image (After treatment): The same area appears darker and more uniform in the post-treatment scan, suggesting the absence of a visible tear or an improvement in the appearance of the previous tear.
Imaging findings like these may reflect tissue changes following procedures performed by physicians in the licensed Regenexx network. Individual results vary, and MRI interpretations should always be considered alongside clinical findings.
FAQs
The hip labrum is a lip of cartilage that surrounds the socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis and helps secure and stabilize the head of the femur in the hip joint.
Hip labrum tears can be caused by:
- Structural issues: Conditions that cause abnormal hip movement can lead to hip labral tears. In femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), the head of the femur doesn’t fit into the socket properly and can cause long-lasting groin pain and movement limitations. FAI can affect people at any age and is the most common cause of hip labrum tears. Without treatment, it may result in osteoarthritis.
- Injury: Trauma to the hip can lead to a hip labrum tear and is particularly common in people who play certain sports with high-impact movements, such as ice hockey, football, soccer, and golf.
- Degenerative osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a chronic degeneration of the cartilage between the joints. As cartilaginous structures like the labrum erode over time, they become more prone to tearing. Advanced age and excess body weight can increase a person’s risk for developing osteoarthritis.
No, labral tears can exist whether there’s hip pain or not. In fact, many hip labrum tears cause no signs or symptoms at all. If there is pain, it’s likely due to a separate issue like sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, pinched nerves in the low back, or problems with hip girdle muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
Occasionally, you may experience one or more of the following with a hip labrum tear: a locking, clicking, or catching sensation in your hip joint; pain in your hip or groin; or stiffness or limited range of motion in your hip joint.
Yes, most hip labrum tears can be identified with an MRI. They provide good definition for large muscles, labrum and tendon tears, and areas of inflammation.
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References
1. Krych AJ, Kuzma SA, Kovachevich R, Hudgens JL, Stuart MJ, Levy BA. Modest mid-term outcomes after isolated arthroscopic debridement of acetabular labral tears. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2014;22(4):763-767. doi:10.1007/s00167-014-2872-1
2. Centeno CJ. Efficacy and Safety of Bone Marrow Concentrate for Osteoarthritis of the Hip; Treatment Registry Results for 196 Patients. J Stem Cell Res Ther 2014;04(10). doi:10.4172/2157-7633.1000242.
3. Friedlis MF, Centeno CJ. Performing a Better Bone Marrow Aspiration. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2016 Nov;27(4):919-939. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2016.06.009. PMID: 27788908.
4. Centeno CJ, Kisiday J, Freeman M, Schultz JR. Partial regeneration of the human hip via autologous bone marrow nucleated cell transfer: A case study. Pain Physician. 2006 Jul;9(3):253-6.
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