Hip labral tear

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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

While you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in hip disorders or sports medicine.

What you can do
You may want to write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
  • Information about medical problems you've had
  • Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
  • All the medications and dietary supplements you take
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask:

  • Where exactly does it hurt?
  • When did the pain start?
  • Did anything precipitate it?
  • Does any action make the pain better or worse?

During the physical exam, your doctor will move your leg, and especially your hip joint, around in various positions to check for pain and evaluate your hip's range of motion. He or she may also want to watch you walk. Your doctor may also check the musculoskeletal and neurological health of your hip joint and leg by testing your:

  • Reflexes
  • Muscle strength
  • Muscle tone
  • Sensation
  • Coordination
  • Balance
References
  1. Nuccion SL, et al. Intra-articular derangements. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2003. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/116370898-3/791075188/1103/793.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-8845-4..50027-2--cesec33_3306. Accessed Jan. 12, 2009.
  2. Shindle MK, et al. Arthroscopic management of labral tears in the hip. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2008;90(suppl):2.
  3. Bharam S. Labral tears, extra-articular injuries, and hip arthroscopy in the athlete. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2006;25:279.
  4. Neurological tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.

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March 24, 2009

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