Acetabular Labrum

Throughout history, we as humans are driven to survive and reach our full potentials every day. Pursuing this drive to excellence would not be obtainable without our ability to not only create ideas, but to create movements. As simple as this sounds, without the intra-articular joints within our bodies, we couldn’t pursue the drive towards excellence. One of the most important joints within the human body is the hip. This joint provides the human body with the necessary stability and strength to perform the simple motion of walking. The joint is created by the connection of the femoral head into the acetabulum socket, and is reinforced by the byischiofemoral, tibiofemoral, and pubofemoral ligaments. The teres ligament also provides support …show more content…
This tissue also aids in stability by deepening the socket by 21% (5mm) and increasing the surface area of the acetabulum by 28% thereby distributing loads and decreasing stresses. Although the acetabulum labrum is subjected to high stress, this piece of cartilage can still be injured and torn. Hip extensions with abduction or external rotation of the hip are two mechanisms of acetabular labral injury. These two motions both cause large strain on the anterior labrum, making it a common place to find labral lesions. An acetabular labral tear is not only created through certain motions, but this piece of cartilage can also become weak and injured with old age. A patient may also be predisposed if they have an abnormal walking pattern or if they participate in any sporting activities that put this joint at high stress like: dancing, ice hockey, and …show more content…
The hip joints range of motion must first be checked along with the strength of the hip, trunk, and knee. Posture of the patient must also be checked along with the alignment of their hips. Once the patient had passed these tests, the patient will then undergo a gait/movement analysis. Patients who usually return to play from this type of injury will wear a SERF strap. SERF stands for stability through external rotation of the femur. This strap is made of thin elastic and is applied around the thigh, knee, and lower leg to pull the hip into external rotation. This strap is often used because it improves hip control and leg movement during any dynamic activities. Acetabular labral tears can be prevented but only through a means of being a proactive athlete. In order to prevent this type of injury, one must properly stretch before any physical activity, one must wear a brace if genetically pre-disposed, and one must strengthen their core. Activity modification to a patients training may also be done as well as correcting any abnormal gait pattern the patient may