Overview of acetabular-labral tear
- Acetabular-labral tears occur commonly, can be associated with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and may be asymptomatic.
- Degenerative tears are associated with degenerative hip-joint disease (eg osteoarthritis).
- Diagnosis is clinical and investigations may be supportive; however, as many tears are asymptomatic, investigation may over-diagnose the condition.
- Treatment is symptomatic with oral analgesia, avoidance of aggravating activities, support for the person’s mental health and gradual reintroduction to exercise (including a progressive-loading program).
The acetabular labrum is a fibrocartilaginous structure that lines most of the acetabulum. It increases the articular surface area of the acetabulum by 22%. Acetabular-labral tears are common and often asymptomatic. They are frequently associated with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, particularly if occurring at the anterior-superior aspect of the acetabular labrum. Five classes of acetabular-labral tears have been described and the classification is based on aetiology. Key practice points for acetabular-labral tear lists some key practice points for acetabular-labral tear.
Degenerative acetabular-labral tears are often associated with other degenerative hip-joint changes (especially osteoarthritis), while traumatic tears are often related to sudden twisting and pivoting movements on a weight-loaded hip.