Acetabular labral tears: diagnosis, repair, and a method for labral reconstruction

Labral tears are an important cause of hip pain in the athlete. Knowledge of labral function is now better understood. The labrum acts as a suction seal stabilizing the hip joint. After a detailed history and physical examination, imaging workup is done to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Hip arthroscopy can be performed to treat labral tears in a minimally invasive manner. This article describes operative techniques to treat labral tears, including a method for labral reconstruction using the iliotibial band autograft.