Labral Repair and Reconstruction

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The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint, providing stability and helping to cushion movement. When this soft tissue is torn or damaged—whether from injury, repetitive motion, or conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)—it can lead to persistent hip pain, instability, and limited mobility.

Labral repair and reconstruction procedures are designed to restore the function of this vital part of the hip and preserve long-term joint health. Dr. Seiter specializes in advanced arthroscopic techniques that reduce downtime, relieve pain, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.

Candidates for Labral Repair and Reconstruction

You may be a candidate for labral repair or reconstruction if you:

Experience sharp or aching pain in the groin or outer hip
Notice pain during twisting or pivoting movements
Feel stiffness or reduced range of motion in your hip
Hear or feel clicking, locking, or catching sensations in the hip joint
Experience pain with prolonged sitting or walking
Feel hip instability or a sensation that the joint may “give out”
Have been diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or other conditions that place stress on the labrum
Have a confirmed labral tear on imaging (such as MRI)
Have not improved with physical therapy, injections, or other conservative treatments

Labral tears can affect anyone but are frequently seen in athletes, dancers, and individuals with FAI. Dr. Seiter will perform a thorough physical exam and review imaging to determine whether surgery is the right option for you.

About the Procedure

Labral repair and reconstruction are typically performed arthroscopically through small incisions using a camera and specialized tools.

Labral Repair: If the labrum is torn or damaged but healthy enough to salvage, Dr. Seiter uses sutures and anchors to reattach it to the hip socket, restoring its seal and support.
Labral Reconstruction: If the labrum is too damaged to repair, it may be partially or fully reconstructed using a graft. The graft may come from your own tissue or a donor and helps reestablish stability and function in the hip joint.

Both procedures may be combined with treatments for FAI or cartilage damage to address the root cause and prevent future injury.

Recovery

Recovery after labral repair or reconstruction depends on your procedure and individual healing. Most patients go home the same day and can expect:

Crutches for 2 to 4 weeks to protect the joint during early healing
Physical therapy starting soon after surgery to restore motion, strength, and joint control
Progressive weight-bearing and range-of-motion exercises over several weeks
Return to low-impact activity in 4 to 6 weeks
Full recovery in 3 to 6 months, depending on the procedure and individual activity level

Dr. Seiter and his team will provide a personalized recovery plan and work closely with you throughout the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a labral tear in the hip?

Labral tears can result from trauma (like a fall or car accident), repetitive motion (common in athletes), or structural problems such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) that increase wear on the labrum over time.

What’s the difference between labral repair and reconstruction?

When the tissue is healthy enough, labral repair is performed to preserve it. When it is too damaged to repair, labral reconstruction is performed to replace the damaged tissue with a graft. Both procedures help to restore joint stability and function.

How do I know if I need labral repair or reconstruction?

Imaging tests (such as MRI) and a physical exam will help determine the condition of your labrum and whether or not repair or reconstruction are advised. If the labrum is healthy enough, repair is preferred. If it’s severely damaged or was previously repaired unsuccessfully, reconstruction may be recommended.

Will I regain full mobility after labral repair or reconstruction?

Most patients regain excellent mobility and strength after surgery, especially when combined with proper rehab. Early treatment often leads to the best long-term results.

When can I return to sports after labral repair or reconstruction?

Most patients return to sports or strenuous activity within 4 to 6 months, depending on the procedure and how your body responds to rehabilitation.

Will my hip feel normal again after surgery?

Many patients experience dramatic improvement in pain, mobility, and function after surgery. While outcomes vary, most report a return to daily and athletic activities with confidence.

What’s the difference between labral reconstruction and hip replacement?

Labral reconstruction is a minimally invasive procedure that rebuilds the soft cartilage to preserve your natural joint. Hip replacement removes and replaces the entire joint (cartilage and bone) with artificial components. Labral reconstruction is typically for younger or more active individuals with cartilage damage, while hip replacement is used in cases of severe arthritis or advanced degeneration.

Labral Repair and Reconstruction

Candidates for Labral Repair and Reconstruction

About the Procedure

Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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