Yes, a hip injury related to the labrum can lead to the requirement of hip replacement surgery. However, it only happens when timely treatment isn’t ensured. To learn more about labral injuries, causes and everything related in detail, continue to read the following blog.
Hip Anatomy
The hip is a crucial component of the musculoskeletal system. It has the following parts.
- The Socket (Acetabulum)
- The Ball (Femoral Head)
- Labrum
- Articular Cartilage
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Bursae
- Synovial Membrane
- Muscles
- Nerves
The labrum is a circular soft-tissue structure found on the rim of the socket or acetabulum. It helps the ball glide smoothly under the socket without causing friction. Bones don’t rub against each other. Consequently, the hip joint functions without pain effortlessly.
Thus, the labrum plays a dominant role in hip mobility.
Causes
Majorly, trauma leads to a labral tear. Sometimes, a primary hip dislocation causes such damage.
Athletes are at higher risk of sustaining hip labral injuries. They often get involved in collisions and harmful movements (cutting and pivoting), especially in contact sports.
Furthermore, some people have hip deformities (structural issues). Such people don’t have either one or both parts (ball & socket) in proper shapes. It leads to impingement and gradually causes labral damage or tears.
Symptoms
You can have any or all of the following symptoms due to labral tears.
- Hip pain
- Increase in the intensity of hip pain with prolonged use, for example, after long standing, sitting, walking and other activities.
- A locking Sensation
- Stiffness
- Reduced Mobility
- Inflammation
Diagnosis
The labrum is a ring of soft tissue. Thus, its injuries are often diagnosed through MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This test helps see the internal conditions of joint soft tissues in detail.
However, if one already has metal implants within the body, CT scanning is preferred over MRI. It is so as the latter can interfere with metal implant components.
To consult the best doctor, visit the following link: top 10 orthopedic surgeons in India.
Treatment
After a hip injury, don’t move the affected area; it might worsen the damage. Apply an ice pack and compress the part with a compression bandage. Keep the injured area raised at the heart level.
This first aid care is subsumed under R.I.C.E., which stands for Rest, Ice Application, Compression and Elevation. It reduces post-injury swelling and helps with faster healing and better recovery.
If it doesn’t provide any relief, book a consultation with a hip specialist.
The following are treatment options that a doctor can consider for labral tears as per a patient’s diagnostic reports.
Medicines: Painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to help with inflammation and consequent physical discomfort.
Injections: Sometimes, corticosteroid injections are also used to ensure instant pain relief.
Biologics: It is a category of medicine that is made out of living tissues. Biological drugs help stimulate the healing response within the site of injury. PRP and stem cell therapy are two widely used examples of biologics.
Physiotherapy: This therapy aims to promote healing, reduce inflammation and as a result, improve joint function. Physiotherapy is often used as part of rehabilitation.
If non-surgical options fail to provide relief, surgical interventions are suggested.
Arthroscopy: It is a minimally invasive keyhole surgery. It involves no cuts, no stitches, and no scars. It is performed with pencil-thin instruments and a few minor holes. If a labral tear can be treated with sutures, a surgeon can perform the repair procedure arthroscopically.
Labral Reconstruction: Sometimes, the labrum is badly damaged. Thus, the surgeon has to reconstruct it, using soft tissue from a healthy part of the patient’s body.
Complications
Injury to the labrum requires timely treatment. Otherwise, it damages the hip over time. Severe osteoarthritis develops early in life.
Ultimately, hip bones start rubbing against each other, leading to chronic inflammation, immobility and physical discomfort. Symptoms become worse progressively. Later, the affected person finds it difficult even to walk a few steps.
Consequently, the person has to consider hip replacement surgery to help treat chronic pain and regain mobility.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is done to eliminate chronic and intense inflammation in the hip. It helps a patient regain full joint mobility.
During this surgery, only the damaged parts of the hip are removed and then resurfaced with an implant. This surgery is only recommended for people who are suffering from debilitating hip pain (severe arthritis).
There are two types of hip replacement surgery, total and partial.
Total hip replacement surgery is needed when joint cartilage is almost completely gone. As a result, the hip has grown stiff and painful due to the development of bad arthritic conditions.
In addition, partial hip replacement surgery is for a patient whose hip cartilage is just partially damaged. So, only that partially damaged part is removed and resurfaced with an implant. It doesn’t just eliminate inflammation and restore mobility but also prevents further joint degeneration.
Connect with the hip replacement specialist. Go to the following link: top hip replacement doctor in India.
Prevention
Learn techniques. If you are an athlete and play contact sports like football, soccer, basketball, etc., learn to pivot or cut effectively. It will help prevent injuries from sudden harmful moves.
Mind precautions. Follow all safety measures. It will help avoid collisions and accident-prone situations.
Have adequate sleep. Sleep is important before sports engagements. Sleeplessness reduces the brain’s capacity to be mindful. You won’t be able to practice good concentration. As a result, it will make you more prone to accidents.
Work out. Exercise regularly to add strength to soft tissues and bones.
Get treatment. If you have already sustained a hip injury, ensure you get the condition properly cured first. Don’t continue to use the injured hip. It can make the situation worse.
Conclusion
The labrum is a soft-tissue part of the hip socket. It helps with smooth and friction-free mobility. Its damage thus leads to pain and walking issues. If proper treatment is neglected, it will cause severe osteoarthritis, which will create conditions where hip replacement surgery becomes the only treatment option left for lasting relief.
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