What is a labral tear?

The acetabular labrum is a cartilage ring surrounding the acetabulum of the hip joint. It increases the acetabulum depth by 22%, provides stability, cushioning, and joint sealing, retaining synovial fluid inside.

Labral tear is one of the most common causes of groin pain in young and active people. According to studies, labral tears are found in 22-55% of patients with hip pain. Without treatment, a damaged labrum leads to joint instability and accelerated osteoarthritis development.

Causes of injury:

  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) — main cause, bony prominences traumatize the labrum
  • Trauma — sports injury, fall, hip dislocation
  • Dysplasia — shallow acetabulum creates labrum overload
  • Degeneration — age-related wear of the cartilage ring
  • Overload — sports with sharp turns (soccer, hockey, dancing)

Facts about labral tears

  • ICD-10: S73.1
  • Frequency: 22-55% of patients with hip pain
  • Age: most common 20-45 years
  • Location: 90% — anterior-superior quadrant
  • Complication: accelerated Hip Osteoarthritis (Coxarthrosis)

Symptoms of labral tear

Typical symptoms

  • Groin pain worsening with activity
  • Sensation of "clicking" or "catching"
  • Limited hip rotation
  • Pain with prolonged sitting
  • Discomfort when climbing stairs

Diagnostic tests

  • FADIR test (flexion + adduction + internal rotation)
  • Pain with maximum hip flexion
  • Positive "C-sign" — hand cups the hip
  • MRI with contrast — gold standard for diagnosis

Consequences without Treatment

  • Hip Joint Instability
  • Damage to the Acetabular Cartilage
  • Accelerated Development of Hip Osteoarthritis (Coxarthrosis)
  • Chronic Pain and Activity Limitation

How regenerative treatment treats labral tears

01

MRI Diagnosis

MRI of the hip joint (preferably with contrast — MR arthrography) is analyzed to determine the location, type, and size of the labral tear. The condition of the cartilage and presence of associated impingement are assessed.

02

Obtaining Concentrates

From blood — CGF with cartilage growth factors. From adipose tissue — MFAT with mesenchymal stem cells capable of differentiating into chondrocytes and restoring labral cartilage tissue.

03

Targeted Injection

Under Ultrasound guidance ultrasound guidance, concentrates are injected directly into the damaged labrum and joint cavity. Areas of damaged acetabular and femoral head cartilage are treated simultaneously.

04

Labrum Regeneration

Stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes and restore labrum structure. Anti-inflammatory factors reduce swelling and pain. Result — restoration of joint stability and function without arthroscopy.

Arthroscopy vs regenerative treatment

Criterion Arthroscopy (repair/debridement) Regenerative treatment
Principle Surgical repair or partial labrum removal Biological labrum regeneration
Anesthesia General anesthesia No anesthesia
Hospitalization 1-2 days None — home same day
Rehabilitation 3-6 months, crutches 4-6 weeks Several days
Labrum Preserved? Repair — yes, debridement — partially removed ✅ Yes — regenerated

Regenerative method Advantages

A broad range of indications

Regenerative methods are used for many orthopaedic and spinal conditions. Some cases still call for surgery.

No anesthesia or incisions

Outpatient treatment via 0.3-1.5 mm puncture. No general anesthesia or hospitalization.

No age restrictions

Regeneration at any age. Safe for chronic conditions and anesthesia intolerance.

Rapid improvement

Concentrates have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Relief within days.

Multiple zones at once

Simultaneous treatment of multiple discs or joints in one procedure.

Home the same day

No crutches, braces or rehabilitation needed. MRI follow-up at 8-16 weeks.

Regenerative treatment Technology

Navigation system for minimally invasive access

Navigation system

Intraoperative robotic navigation system. Provides precise access to deep structures with 1 mm and 1 degree accuracy.

Ultrasound guidance during the procedure

Ultrasound guidance

Device for intervention under sonographic control. Eliminates open surgeries with real-time visual monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions about labral tear treatment

Can the labrum be restored without surgery?
Yes. Regenerative treatment delivers stem cells and growth factors directly to the damaged labrum, initiating its regeneration. This is a biological alternative to arthroscopic repair or partial labrum removal. Particularly effective for partial tears and degenerative damage.
I have hip impingement and labral tear — will regenerative treatment help?
Yes. Regenerative treatment effectively treats labral tears — restores cartilage tissue and reduces inflammation. In cases of significant bony deformities (cam or pincer), a combined approach may be required. A clinic specialist will review the images and determine the optimal strategy.
How quickly can I return to sports?
Light activity — within a few days. Full sports loads — within 4-8 weeks. For comparison: after arthroscopy, return to sports takes 4-6 months. Regenerative treatment does not create surgical trauma, therefore recovery is significantly faster.
Does regenerative treatment prevent the development of Hip Osteoarthritis (Coxarthrosis) with a Labral Tear?
Yes. A damaged labrum is a direct path to Hip Osteoarthritis (Coxarthrosis): the joint loses stability and tightness. Regenerative treatment restores the labrum and simultaneously regenerates the damaged articular cartilage of the joint surfaces, significantly slowing or preventing the development of osteoarthritis.

Clinic and method matching — free of charge

Describe your case and attach your MRI report. We will identify clinics that use the relevant methods and forward your request to them. No obligation; we reply within two working days.

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