[The acetabular labrum. Arthroscopic diagnosis and therapy of degenerate and traumatic lesions]

The acetabular labrum makes a vital contribution to the stability of the hip joint. Hip arthroscopy has revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of labral pathology. Lesions that would otherwise have gone unrecognised are now amenable to resection and in some cases repair. Symptomatic relief is generally good after treatment of traumatic tears but patients with co-existing articular cartilage degeneration do less well. The long-term results of arthroscopic surgery for the acetabular labrum are awaited.