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Hip Labrum (Superior)

labrum acetabuli superius

The superior acetabular labrum is the thickest and most clinically significant portion of the labrum, covering the superior and posterosuperior acetabular rim where the principal weight-bearing contact occurs.

Anatomical Data

Structure

Bones	Superior acetabular rim Head of the femur
Ligaments	Iliofemoral part of the capsule attached just outside it

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Movements	Loaded during standing and the stance phase of gait, where the main weight-bearing contact occurs

Provides superior femoral head containment during the stance phase of gait, seals the superior joint for fluid pressurisation, and distributes contact stress across the superior acetabular cartilage during load bearing.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Superior labral tears in developmental dysplasia occur from chronic rim overloading as the dysplastic acetabulum concentrates stress on the superior-anterior rim. Superior labral ossification (labrification) is the end-stage of chronic superior overloading.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Superior Labral Degeneration in Hip Dysplasia

Progressive superior labral tearing and ossification in developmental dysplasia from concentrated rim loading, an indication for periacetabular osteotomy to redistribute forces.

Superior Labral Tear from Acute Overload

Acute superior labral injury from high-impact loading in contact sports, producing lateral hip pain and a positive FADIR test, confirmed by MR arthrography.

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