The labrum in the hip is a firm rim of fibrocartilage that surrounds the acetabulum (lines the hip socket). The job of this crescent-shaped soft tissue is to act as a suction cup, of sorts, to holds the head of the femur (thigh bone) firmly in place within the socket. The labrum acts as a stabilizer of the joint, allowing it to bend, flex, rotate and move smoothly throughout activities like running, climbing, even sitting.
When the ring of cartilage that lines the outside rim of the hip socket tears or becomes damaged, it is called a hip labrum tear. Labral tears can be caused by femoroacetabular impingement, where the bones within the hip rub or wear down the labrum and cause it to tear or wear excessively. Some sports activities can also cause a hip labrum tear, especially those with twisting or pivoting motions like golf, hockey, soccer, ballet, football or lacrosse.
If the labrum has been damaged badly and cannot be repaired, or reattached a labral reconstruction may be needed. The goal of a labrum reconstruction is to replace the original labrum with a new tissue graft. During this specialized procedure, Dr. McCormick will use a donor graft (allograft) or a graft from the patient (autograft.) The new tissue is fastened in place of the original labrum and secured with bio-absorbable sutures and anchors. The rebuilt labrum will restore the functionality of the original labrum, while helping to prevent further damage to the articular cartilage of the hip.
The recovery timeline after a labral repair or reconstruction will vary based on the severity of the labrum tear. For healthy active patients without any underlying medical conditions may be able to recover from a simple debridement or labral repair in 6 to 8 weeks. A labral reconstruction will take longer and patients in the Florida area should expect a recovery time of 2 to 6 months. It is highly suggested that patients undergoing hip labrum repair or reconstruction follow Dr. McCormick’s recommended physical therapy program to strengthen the hip and regain full range of motion.
For more information on hip labrum repair or hip labrum reconstruction, or to have your hip pain evaluated and treated, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic shoulder specialist serving Orlando, Kissimmee, West Palm Beach County, Florida and the surrounding areas.
