Hip Pain and Labral Tears in Men vs. Women

Hip Pain and Labral Tears in Men vs. Women:

Most people in Hawaii realize that men and women differ in body structure and biomechanics. This fact is also true when looking at specific body structures such as the hip joint. A recently published study in The American Journal of Sports Medicine evaluated the differences in presentation of patients with labral tears and how common hip pain can be because of it. The labrum in the hip joint functions to essentially hold the upper leg bone, or femur, in the socket of the pelvis. When torn, it allows increased motion which can lead to femoral dislocation.

Although there are differences in both hip structure as well as ligament and joint laxity (motion) between men and women, the study found that there was very little difference in the clinical presentation. Data was collected from over 1400 patients with symptomatic labral tears who underwent arthroscopic surgery, including demographic data and clinical history. Of those, 654 met the required parameters to be included in the study.

Overall, men had a higher rate of an acute injury, especially workers’ compensation injuries, while women tended to present to the orthopedic physicians’ offices with increases range of motion in all measurements. Pain in the hip joint on palpation was higher in women than with men, however, when asked to rate their pain on a scale of 1 to 10, women generally rated their pain lower than men. These are the only substantial differences the patients had upon medical evaluation prior to surgery.

At Oahu Spine and Rehab, we see many patients with hip pain, both male and female. While the majority or our patients do not have labral tears or require surgery, we believe it is important to thoroughly evaluate each individual patient to obtain the most accurate diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment plan. In most cases, this involves physical therapy to include passive modalities to reduce pain and increase motion followed by strengthening exercise to minimize long-term disability.

Whatever the cause of your hip pain, the doctors and therapists at Oahu Spine and Rehab will do whatever it takes to reduce your pain, increase your function and return you to the quality of life you desire. Feel free to contact us today to learn more.

American Journal Sports Medicine: http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/42/6/1365.abstract