Nonsurgical treatment of acetabular labrum tears: a case series

Case series. While the literature has emphasized surgical treatment of acetabular labrum tears, there is a lack of information regarding conservative treatment. The purpose of this case series was to describe a nonsurgical program for those with clinical evidence of an acetabular labrum tear, that e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy 2011-05, Vol.41 (5), p.346-353
Main Authors: Yazbek, Paula M, Ovanessian, Vanessa, Martin, Robroy L, Fukuda, Thiago Yukio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acetabulum
Adult
Cartilage, Articular - injuries
Female
Hip Injuries - diagnosis
Hip Injuries - etiology
Hip Injuries - therapy
Humans
Male
Young Adult
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Summary:Case series. While the literature has emphasized surgical treatment of acetabular labrum tears, there is a lack of information regarding conservative treatment. The purpose of this case series was to describe a nonsurgical program for those with clinical evidence of an acetabular labrum tear, that emphasized hip and lumbopelvic stabilization, correction of hip muscle imbalance, biomechanical control, and sport-specific functional progression. The 4 patients in this series had clinical evidence and magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of an acetabular labrum tear and underwent a similar treatment protocol consisting of 3 phases. Phase 1 emphasized pain control, education in trunk stabilization, and correction of abnormal joint movement. Phase 2 focused on muscular strengthening, recovery of normal range of motion (ROM), and initiation of sensory motor training. And phase 3 emphasized advanced sensory motor training, with sport-specific functional progression. ROM, flexibility, pain, special tests, and level of function were assessed, and strength was measured with handheld dynamometry. All patients demonstrated decreased pain, functional improvement, and correction of muscular imbalance. Increased muscle strength, primarily for the hip flexors (1%-39%), abductors (18%-56%), and extensors (68%-139%) was also noted. All patients responded well to our program. This case series suggests that patients with clinical evidence of an acetabular labral tear confirmed with MRI can show meaningful improvement with nonsurgical intervention. Therapy, level 4.
ISSN:0190-6011
1938-1344
DOI:10.2519/jospt.2011.3225