Labral Tear In The Hip - Braces For Support

1.) What is a Labrum?

The labrum is a term that describes the type of cartilage that surrounds ball and socket joints. This is found in both the shoulder and hip joints. The labrum will form a ring that is located around the edge of the bony socket of either the hip or shoulder joint. It serves to provide stability to the joint by deepening the socket, while also providing the joint with needed flexibility and motion.

2.) Injuries To The Labrum - 2 Types

Injuries that can occur to the labrum have been recognized as a possible source of discomfort and pain. Although labral tears in the shoulder area are more common, labral tears in the hip do occur regularly as well. In general, there are two different kinds of labral tears in the hip.

A.) Degenerative tears: a chronic injury that can occur after repetitive use or activities. These kinds of tears can be seen in the early stages of hip arthritis.

B.) Traumatic injuries: When an individual suffers a traumatic hip labral tear, it is typically an acute injury that is associated with a sports injury, sudden fall, or an accident. Often times, labral tears of this kind are caused by sudden twists that can cause immediate hip pain.

3.) What Are the Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear?

A hip labral tear can be hard to diagnose sometimes because is simliar in its symptoms to other issues like a groin strain, sports hernia or snapping hip syndrome. The following are common symptoms of what could be a labral tear:

• Groin pain
• Clicking and snapping sensations in the hip area
• Limited motion of the hip joint

4.) Braces For Support Before or After Surgery

To support the hip and restrict unwanted movements doctors can deploy the use of a hip abduction brace for their patients. This orthosis (brace) can help to limit motion that will further a hip labral tear and any of its painful symptoms. In this way, hip abduction orthoses (braces) can be the conservative measure of treatment that can help to facilitate the healing process either before or after surgery for a patient.

*Note: This is health information. This is good information, but medical advice on bracing for the hip, due to a labral tear, should be provided to you by your local, licensed orthotist. These individuals are brace specialists and can provide you with the best care possible when it comes to braces for the hip.