Intermediate
Technical
IVT
labral tear
Pronunciation: LAY-bral
Injury to the fibrocartilaginous rim that surrounds and stabilizes the hip or shoulder socket.
Full Definition
A disruption of the labrum, the specialized fibrocartilage structure that deepens the acetabulum (hip) or glenoid (shoulder) socket and provides joint stability. Labral tears commonly occur in athletes participating in sports requiring repetitive hip flexion or overhead arm motion. Symptoms include deep joint pain, clicking, and mechanical symptoms. Diagnosis typically requires MRI arthrography, and treatment ranges from conservative management to arthroscopic repair or debridement.
Usage
Usage note: Specify anatomical location (hip vs shoulder) when documenting; commonly confused with meniscal pathology.
In Context
- "MRI arthrography revealed a posterior labral tear consistent with the patient's hip pain symptoms." — Radiology report
- "The hockey player's labral tear required arthroscopic repair to restore hip stability." — Treatment summary
Also known as
labrum tear
acetabular labral tear
glenoid labral tear
Contrasted with
intact labrum
labral preservation
Don't confuse with
meniscal tear
cartilage tear