Labral tear in the hip
An injury to the labrum or Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) can lead to a labral tear.
The labrum is the ring of cartilage on the outside rim of the hip socket that helps to cushion the joint and hold the ball securely. The hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the femoral head, located at the top of the thigh (femur) bone, and the socket is the acetabulum, which is part of the pelvis. Both are lined with cartilage allowing smooth movement without joint pain. The hip joint is sealed by soft tissue called the labrum creating a vacuum seal that keeps the synovial joint fluid in place and protects your joint cartilage during physical activity.
Most labral tears give no symptoms but they can cause hip/groin pain, mechanical symptoms (locking, clicking or catching) or even stiffness.
