Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 5/22/2008

Question
Hello, I just found out I have a labral tear in my hip joint. I was previously getting adjusted by a chiropractor and had complained to her about this pain, she said it had to do with the subluxation of my spine and hip joints. The pain continued and finally decided to see an orthopedic. They did an MRI and found the tear.
I am concerned about continuing treatment with her since she completely ruled out anything serious and basically misdiagnosed me. Should i continue getting adjusted even with the tear?
Thanks

Answer
Gladys,

The Mayo Clinic provides this information on hip labral tears:

"A tear in your labrum, known as a hip labral tear or acetabular labral tear, can result from injury, repetitive movements that cause wear-and-tear on your hip joint, or degeneration, such as from osteoarthritis.

In many cases, a hip labral tear causes no signs or symptoms and doesn't require treatment. Occasionally, however, a hip labral tear may cause pain or a "catching" sensation in the hip joint.

When treatment for a hip labral tear is necessary, it may consist of physical therapy, medications or a combination. Less frequently, surgery is necessary to treat a hip labral tear."

(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hip-labral-tear/DS00920)

A 2007 study in the Chiropractic Journal of Australia entitled "The Use of Hip Manipulation in the Management of Acetabular Labrum Injury" concluded:

"The acetabular labrum is increasingly being recognised as a source of hip pain, particularly in athletes. Research is required in the form of clinical trials to determine efficacy of hip manipulation or mobilisation for treatment of this injury."

Therefore, while chiropractic manipulation of the spine or hip may address spinal joint dysfunction resulting from hip joint dysfunction, for the specific treatment of hip labral tears, I recommend that you follow the treatment advice of your orthopedic surgeon.

I hope that this helps to answer your question.