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Hip Labrum

labrum acetabulare

The acetabular labrum is a fibrocartilaginous ring attached to the acetabular rim that deepens the hip socket and provides approximately 22 percent additional femoral head coverage. It seals the joint to maintain the hydrostatic fluid pressure that provides lubrication and load distribution, and its suction effect contributes meaningfully to hip joint stability. Labral tears from femoroacetabular impingement, trauma, or dysplasia are a leading cause of hip pain in young active adults.

Anatomical Data

Structure

Bones	Acetabular rim of the hip bone Head of the femur
Ligaments	Transverse acetabular ligament (completes the ring across the acetabular notch) Hip joint capsule (attached just outside the labrum)

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Movements	Does not move on its own; it deepens the socket for flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and rotation of the hip

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is the most common cause of labral tears in young adults, where abnormal cam (aspherical femoral head) or pincer (acetabular overcoverage) morphology causes repetitive labral crushing and tearing during hip flexion. The FADIR test (hip flexion, adduction, internal rotation) reproduces impingement pain. Hip arthroscopy for labral repair, debridement, and cam or pincer osteoplasty has rapidly become one of the most common sports medicine procedures.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Acetabular Labral Tear

Fibrocartilage ring tearing from FAI, trauma, or dysplasia producing anterior hip pain reproduced by the FADIR test, managed with hip arthroscopy for labral repair and FAI correction.

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