Interview with Dr. Tim Bert: arthroscopic repair of hip labrum tears

For more information, visit us at https://phoenixspineandjoint.com/!
- Dr. Tim Bert is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who treats patients with shoulder, knee, and hip problems. Dr. Bert is completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine, and is Board Certified in Sports Medicine.

What is the labrum and how does it get torn?
The labrum is a thick band of cartilaginous tissue that forms a sleeve around the hip. In addition to helping buffer force, the labrum helps hold the ball in the socket.

What does a torn hip labrum feel like?
Labral tears in the hip cause a sharp pain that usually radiates to the groin. The pain is present most of the time right after injury, and is less frequent after a few months. This is in contrast with arthritis, which starts small and grows, and is associated with loss of range of motion and worsens with age. A labral tear will often produce a click when walking.

Can a torn labrum in the hip heal itself? IF not what can be done?
No. Labral tears usually do not heal themselves. Small tears can be made not to hurt with rest and by strengthening the muscles around the hip. Larger tears are likely to require intervention. Studies have shown that physical therapy is helpful for a labral tear in 20% of cases; that means 80% of the time it is not effective. If the labral tear is serious then surgical treatment should be considered by a doctor with experience in treating labral tears of the hip. If the tear is left untreated your hip is more likely to develop arthritis, and eventually require total hip replacement.

Will an MRI show a torn hip labrum?
Yes. But an X-ray may not. X-ray shows bone while MRI shows soft tissue. So, X-ray will not show a labral tear directly. However, x-ray may show bone spurs associated with a labral tear, making it a useful first test. An MRI will show the tear and it’s size directly.

Will cortisone injection help torn hip labrum? Stem cell treatments?
Yes, but only for a short time. Injections are often used to get an athlete through the season. Injections are temporary, and do not change the need for surgery. If the tera is bad enough for surgery, and your schedule permits, then just have the surgery.

What is the labral tear hip surgery success rate?
Very high.

Surgery animation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlBouvA4yM0)

Видео Interview with Dr. Tim Bert: arthroscopic repair of hip labrum tears канала Phoenix Spine & Joint