The labrum of the hip: diagnosis and rationale for surgical correction

The treatment of labral pathologic condition of the hip has become a topic of increasing interest. In patients undergoing hip arthroscopy, tears of the acetabular labrum are the most commonly found pathologic condition and most common cause of mechanical symptoms. Although a labral tear may occur with a single traumatic event, often another underlying cause may be already present, predisposing the individual to injury. This article discusses the structure and function of the acetabular labrum, the diagnosis of labral injury through physical examination and imaging modalities, and the current treatment options, including labrectomy, labral repair, and reconstruction.