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LABRAL TEARS
OVERVIEW
A labral tear occurs when the labrum detaches from the underlying bone of the pelvis. Joint fluid enters this space and prevents the torn labrum from healing.
LABRUM FORM AND FUNCTION
The labrum is a very tough type of cartilage which forms a gasket-like seal around the hip joint. It serves to deepen the hip socket, add stability to the hip, and lubricate the hip joint. It is attached very strongly to the underlying bone. It forms roughly three quarters of a circle, and at the bottom, a strong ligament, called the transverse acetabular ligament, joins the front and back of the labrum together. In cross section it appears like the point of a triangle, with a fine outer edge and a broad base where it attaches to the bone.
In a normal hip the ball of the femur glides smoothly beneath the labrum throughout the range of movement. If there are abnormalities of the underlying bone, or extremes of motion or force, then the labrum may become damaged.
With age the labrum may become degenerate and tear, or it may calcify and become boney. Whether or not this will cause clinical problems depends upon the individual and their level of function. READ MORE
Why Repair Your Hip Labral Tear?
If you are experiencing reduced motion in your hip, have felt your hip locking, have stiffness, and have localised pain in the area, it may be that you have a labral tear. It can reduce your quality of life as movements that used to come naturally now suddenly feel more painful and it may take longer to walk, climb stairs, or sit for extended periods of time. It can affect your mood, your mental health, and your relationships.
A labral tear can be caused by general wear and tear, or bone abnormalities. Ignoring it can increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis in the hip joint, which leads to further complications.
Choosing to repair a hip labral tear with minimally invasive surgery helps put a stop to the gnawing pain in your hip. It allows you to get back your range of motion and prevents the tear from developing into more severe arthritic problems.
Dr David Slattery is a hip labral repair specialist, who uses the latest, most innovative techniques – often featuring robotic assistance for robotic hip surgery – to operate efficiently. This minimally invasive surgery reduces overall risk and complications compared to more traditional surgeries.
What Is a Hip Arthroscopy Labral Repair
Surgically correcting to repair a hip labral tear involves the use of an arthroscope – a small camera device that identifies the location of the tear. During the surgery, some small incisions are made by renowned orthopedic surgeon in Melbourne Dr Slattery to allow access to the affected area.
As the camera is small and the surgical tools are precision instruments, the incisions are much smaller than wounds from open hip surgery. Dr Slattery uses this technique for hip arthroscopic labral repair, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of other hip injuries.
There is a small risk assumed with any surgery, however, this minimally invasive technique, reduces the likelihood of infection and complications as compared to more invasive techniques such as open hip surgery.
Recovering After Your Hip Arthroscopy Labral Repair
Before having surgery to repair a hip labral tear, your quality of life has steadily declined. The pain combined with stiffness and reduced motion range is a difficult adjustment to make. but in just a few short weeks after surgery, you can begin to feel like your old self again.
All recovery times are dependent on each individual. It largely centres on your overall health and fitness before undergoing surgery. For the first two – six weeks after a hip arthroscopy labral repair, you may find there is still some pain, however, this will reduce over time as the wounds from surgery begin to heal. You may depend on crutches for the first few weeks, as your repaired hip gradually increases the amount of weight it can bear.
After surgery, you will have the opportunity to undergo physiotherapy and can raise any questions you may have during routine post-op consultations with Dr David Slattery.
How to Get Specialist Treatment for Your Hip Injury
To arrange an appointment with leading hip specialist Dr David Slattery and begin your journey to a better quality of life, please book an appointment using the online booking system. Alternatively, you can reach Dr Slattery at one of his consulting locations.
If you have any non-urgent questions before your surgery commences, or after your surgery, we will be glad to help alleviate your concerns. If you have urgent concerns that need to be addressed today, please get in touch ASAP so we can help you immediately. READ LESS
Schedule a consultation to discuss options for your labral tear
Labral tears can affect patients in a variety of different ways depending on age, pre-existing medical conditions, lifestyle and other factors. As such, it is important that should you experience hip pain, it be examined carefully by an experienced specialist.
Dr Slattery is a specialist in complex knee, pelvic and hip surgery with experience in multiple different kinds of joint replacement and treatment, providing consultation and treatment for labral tears, hamstring ruptures and a range of other hip conditions.
With a focus on the needs of the patient, Dr Slattery believes in tailoring treatments to achieve optimal outcomes for each individual. Consulting at three Melbourne rooms, he makes it easy to discuss your concerns.
Should you wish to schedule a consultant with Dr Slattery, please contact our rooms at the Glenferrie Private Hospital on 03 9819 6934, or make an appointment through our online contact form.
To book an appointment please contact Dr Slattery’s room on
03 5752 5020
We aim to see all fractures within 24hrs