Is surgery right for a hip labrum tear?
For many people, a hip labrum tear can feel scary, especially if you hear words like “tear” or see it on an MRI. But surgery is not automatic, and it is not the right choice for everyone. Labral changes can show up on scans even in people with no pain, so decisions should be based on your symptoms and what you can or cannot do day to day, not imaging alone1,2.
Surgery may be discussed when:
- Pain is still limiting your life, even after a consistent, structured rehab plan3,4.
- Mechanical symptoms are frequent and disruptive, like true catching or locking that makes movement feel unreliable1.
- There is an underlying bone shape issue, like femoroacetabular impingement (joint conflict due to abnormal bone shape), that may keep irritating the labrum during certain motions1,3.
- Your goals require higher-demand hip function, and you and your clinician agree the likely benefits outweigh the risks3.
A good surgical decision is a shared one. It usually includes your story, a physical exam, imaging that fits your symptoms, and an honest talk about what you want to get back to doing, along with what recovery could realistically look like1,3.
Common surgical options for hip labrum tears
Here are the procedures that are most commonly discussed. Which one is considered depends on your symptoms, hip shape, and any cartilage wear seen on imaging1,3.
- Hip arthroscopy (labral repair) Uses small instruments through tiny incisions to re-attach and “tighten” the labrum when it is repairable. Often paired with addressing the bony shape that is contributing to irritation (for example, femoroacetabular impingement)1,3.
- Hip arthroscopy (labral debridement) Trims or smooths frayed labral tissue when repair is not a good option. This is typically considered when the tissue quality makes a repair less likely to hold1.
- Arthroscopic labral reconstruction Rebuilds the labrum using graft tissue when the labrum is too damaged to repair. This is usually reserved for more complex cases1.
Other procedures when the hip structure is the main issue If the hip socket is too shallow (hip dysplasia) or if there is more advanced joint wear, the “best surgery” may not be arthroscopy. Options may include bone realignment procedures or, in select cases with significant arthritis, hip replacement. The right choice depends heavily on the whole hip picture, not the tear alone.1
What to expect during recovery
Recovery after hip surgery varies by the exact procedure, your hip structure, your strength and activity level beforehand, and whether cartilage wear is present3,4. Many people do improve after surgery, but it is normal for progress to feel uneven at times3.
Common recovery themes include:
- Early phase (first few weeks) Pain and swelling are common. Many people have temporary limits on weight-bearing and hip motion, depending on what was done in surgery3. Early rehab often focuses on safe walking, gentle motion, and protecting healing tissue.
- Rebuilding phase (weeks to months) Rehab typically shifts toward restoring strength and control around the hip and trunk, then building tolerance for longer walking, stairs, and daily activities4. This phase can be frustrating because you may feel “better” some days and sore on others.
- Return to higher-demand activity (often months, not weeks) Higher-impact goals, like running or pivoting sports, usually take longer and depend on meeting function-based milestones, not just the calendar3,4.
Possible challenges and risks to know about:
- Incomplete symptom relief: some people improve a lot, others improve only a little, especially if there is cartilage damage or arthritis3.
- Need for more treatment later: symptoms can return, or another procedure may be needed in some cases3.
- General surgical risks: infection, blood clots, nerve irritation, stiffness, and ongoing pain can occur with any surgery, even when everything goes as planned3.
If surgery is on the table, it helps to plan for recovery support, time away from certain activities, and a rehab approach you can stick with consistently3,4.
Did you know?
A hip labrum tear on MRI does not automatically mean surgery. Labral tears are common even in people with no hip pain, which is why treatment should focus on symptoms and function, not imaging alone2.
Can surgery be avoided?
Often, yes. Many people with hip labrum-related pain improve with the right combination of education, activity changes, and a progressive strengthening plan, especially when the program is structured and followed consistently. Research in femoroacetabular impingement populations shows that both exercise-based care and surgery can help, and the “best” option depends on the person, their goals, and their response to rehab1,3,4.
If your symptoms are stable (not rapidly worsening) and you do not have urgent red flags, it is reasonable to start with conservative care and reassess based on progress and function1,4.
How Sword can support you before and after surgery
Physical therapy can play an important role in preparing for surgery, supporting recovery, and, in some cases, helping people manage symptoms without surgery. Sword offers physical therapy programs designed to support you at different points along that journey.
Sword supports recovery before and after surgery, with care designed to fit into your life. You receive high-quality physical therapy at home, guided by licensed clinicians and supported by smart technology.
- Care that adapts as your body and recovery needs change
- Licensed physical therapists guiding your care at every stage
- Non-invasive, evidence-based physical therapy programs
Support for preparation, recovery, and long-term movement health
Clinical insight
