Hip Arthroscopy (Labral Repair)
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that is composed of the thighbone (femur) and the socket (acetabulum) and is supported by layers of ligaments and muscles. Both bones are lined by articular cartilage keeping the bones apart and allowing for smooth range of motion. Along the edge of the socket, cartilage is connected to a fibrous ring of tissue called the labrum, which has many functions essential to hip biomechanics. The labrum acts to deepen the joint, which increases hip stability by sealing the ball and lubricant fluid in place. It also provides shock absorption and distributes pressure across the joint during walking, running or jumping. Preserving labral integrity is key to hip preservation.
Hip labral tears commonly occurs as a result of chronic hip impingement, sporting injury, hip dysplasia, hip dislocation and degenerative changes like osteoarthritis. Labral tears can lead to hip and groin pain, stiffness, instability of the hip joint and eventual osteoarthritis.
Hip labral tears are typically diagnosed through a combination of focussed physical examination testing, imaging tests, and sometimes with diagnostic injections. Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan can help to assess the extent of damage to the labrum. Ultrasound-guided diagnostic injections can be helpful in determining if the pain is in fact coming from the hip joint. LALL Orthopedics+ is one of few places nationwide that offers same-day, ultrasound-guided diagnostic hip injections to confirm the source of one’s pain.
Treatment options for labral tears vary depending on severity. Nonsurgical treatments such as activity modification and physical therapy. If nonsurgical treatments fail to provide long-term relief, the expert clinicians at LALL Orthopedics+ may recommend surgical intervention. Surgery for labral tears typically involves repairing, augmenting, or reconstructing the damaged tissue via minimally invasive hip arthroscopy.
Hip arthroscopy is a technically demanding, minimally-invasive surgical procedure that is used to treat labral tears of the hip. This procedure is typically only recommended and performed by experts in the field of orthopedic medicine. During hip arthroscopy, a small 4mm camera called an arthroscope is placed into the hip joint. This allows the surgeon to visualize and assess the inside of the hip. Depending on severity of injury, the injured tissue can then be repaired, or augmented. All treatment options aim to recreate stability and functionality of the injured labral tissue along the hip socket, which ultimately restores hip biomechanics.
Dr. Ajay C. Lall is a world-renowned expert in the field of hip arthroscopy and has helped publish >500 articles, posters and abstracts detailing various techniques and outcomes of the procedure. The procedure is typically performed as a same-day outpatient procedure. Rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy is an integral part of recovery, restoration of function and improved outcomes.
Arthroscopic hip labral repair or augmentation can provide pain relief and improved function in patients with labral tears and hip joint pain. Most people who undergo hip arthroscopy experience a quick recovery and return to full activities and sports after completing a focussed rehabilitation program.
Dr. Ajay C. Lall is a former dual sport NCAA collegiate athlete (football and track & field), American board certified, triple fellowship-trained expert orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip arthroscopy and robotic hip replacement. He treats non-athletes and athletes at all levels of play from collegiate to professional to the Olympic level. Dr. Lall is a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon who cares for all patients like family. Contact LALL Orthopedics + to schedule a consultation, receive the correct diagnosis, and undergo state-of-the-art treatment options.
At a Glance
Ajay C. Lall, MD, MS, FAAOS
- Board Certified – Orthopedic Surgery
- Triple Fellowship Trained
- Performs over 750 Surgeries Per Year
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