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Arthritis and Torn Labrum - Second Opinion?
Hello, I've recently been diagnosed with arthritis and a torn labrum in my hip. I'm 45 years old and in good health otherwise. I'm a runner (up until my hip pain a few months ago) and I'm a healthy weight for my height (135lbs at 5'8"). I had an x-ray and an MRI done on my hip. When my doctor gave me the diagnosis, she said that she wouldn't repair the labrum. Is this normal? I've read that a torn labrum doesn't heal on its own, and I'd like to continue being active. I guess I'm wondering if I should seek a second opinion or if it's normal to not repair a torn labrum in someone in my situation. I understand that I don't have all of the information, but up until my hip pain (and even through it for a little while) I was running 5Ks at sub 6:30 pace. It seems odd to me that my doctor would just throw up her hands and say there's nothing to do about the labrum. Thanks for reading and replying.
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Hello @jprarie
I see that this is your first post, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can certainly understand your frustration at being told that surgery was not an option. I'm sure you want to resolve this problem so that you can lessen the pain and get back to your normal activities.
I'm not familiar with this disorder, but I did find some information on Mayo Clinic's website. Here is the link, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hip-labral-tear/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354878. Please read the article.
As you can see, there are some treatments that can be done prior to deciding on surgery. They include medications, physical therapy, etc. When the doctor closed the discussion on surgery did she make any of these other treatment options available to you?
You certainly do have the right to seek a second opinion. Do you have a multi-disciplinary health center near you, such as a university medical school or a facility like Mayo Clinic?
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1 ReactionI had the same diagnosis as you and was told by my Sports Meds specialist doctor that surgery would be the way to repair it. I’d say you need a second opinion!
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1 ReactionMy situation is completely different but I’ll share it with you. I have had chronic shoulder problems most of my life; probably from Bowhunting, surfing and scoliosis. My first shoulder surgery was a torn labrum. I have had two more surgeries since then and now need a total shoulder replacement. I had all kind of pain trying to recover from my torn labrum surgery. Each additional surgery just made my shoulder hurt worst. Even though I probably ruined it shooting a compound bow too much and being a very avid surfer up until late May this year; I have read that starting out with that shoulder surgery is a bad way to start. It might not have anything to do with your hip problem but I wanted to pass on my experience with my torn labrum. I think it is like a torn O ring. If I had to do it over again, I would have taken much more time and found an excellent shoulder doctor. It has consumed my life; especially my physical life and I have been a very physical person all of my life.
FYI - I have a torn labrum in my hip and I'll share what the physicians told me. At my age (69) with significant arthritis in the hip, the protocol is to inject with cortisone until that no longer works, then replace the hip joint. Apparently it's too difficult/ineffective to take out the arthritis and repair the labrum.