PROF. DR. SAMMY HANNAMD · FACS · FRCS (TR&ORTH) · CCT (TR&ORTH)
HIP IMPINGEMENT & LABRAL PROBLEMS · ABU DHABI
Femoroacetabular impingement and labral problems can cause deep groin pain, pinching or mechanical symptoms, particularly with flexion and rotation. A labral abnormality on imaging does not automatically mean surgery is required. Hip impingement and labral tear treatment in Abu Dhabi is available at Healthpoint Hospital.
CHAPTER 01 · THE PATTERN
Choose the closest description. The result explains what may be useful to assess; it does not diagnose FAI or a labral tear.
This can occur with FAI or other intra-articular hip problems. The examination checks which positions reproduce symptoms and whether the hip joint is the likely source.
See what the examination checks →CHAPTER 02 · EXAMINATION
The consultation connects symptom location, provocative movement, hip range, strength and the imaging question. A shape finding is common enough that it needs clinical context.
Deep groin pain is more suggestive than isolated lateral tenderness, but overlap is common.
Flexion and rotation may provoke impingement-type symptoms, but tests are interpreted with the whole examination.
Restricted rotation or flexion may reflect bone shape, joint irritation, arthritis or another cause.
Strength, gait, trunk and pelvic control can influence symptoms and rehabilitation planning.
Back, tendon, abdominal, pelvic and other causes may need consideration when the story does not fit.
“The scan should answer a clinical question—not create the diagnosis on its own.”
CHAPTER 03 · IMAGING
Plain X-rays help assess joint shape and arthritis. MRI may be used when labral, cartilage or soft-tissue detail is likely to affect management, while CT can be selected for more detailed bony anatomy or surgical planning.
SELECTED QUESTION 01 / 03
CHAPTER 05 · DECISION
Not because a labral tear appears on MRI. Surgery may be considered when persistent symptoms and meaningful functional limitation fit the examination and imaging, non-operative care has not provided an acceptable result, and the joint is suitable for preservation.
The pain and mechanical pattern are consistent with an intra-articular hip problem.
Provocative movement and range of motion support the same clinical story.
Bone shape, labrum, cartilage and joint condition support a correctable pathway.
Rehabilitation, expected limits, risks and alternatives are discussed before deciding.
IF THE JOINT IS MORE ARTHRITIC THAN PRESERVABLE
Established arthritis and substantial loss of joint space can shift the discussion away from preservation and toward arthritis or replacement pathways.
THE FUNCTION THAT MATTERS
For an active person, success may mean sitting comfortably, training, changing direction, lifting, running or simply moving without repeatedly protecting the hip. Those goals guide rehabilitation and any surgical discussion.
RELATED HIP ROUTES
Use the related pages when arthritis, replacement or the broader Hip overview is the better starting point.
HIP IMPINGEMENT & LABRAL FAQ
General information only. A diagnosis and personal recommendation require an individual clinical assessment.
Request an appointmentFAI describes a shape-related conflict between the femoral head-neck region and the acetabular rim that can limit motion and irritate joint structures in some people.
No. Labral abnormalities can be present without being the main pain source. The finding is most useful when it fits the symptom pattern, examination and other imaging.
Pain is commonly felt in the groin and may be provoked by flexion, rotation, squatting or sport. Symptoms can overlap with other hip, back or soft-tissue problems.
No. Plain X-rays are often useful to assess bone shape. MRI may be selected to assess the labrum, cartilage and other soft tissues when the result is likely to affect management.
Yes. Activity modification, rehabilitation and symptom management may be appropriate. Surgery is considered only when symptoms, examination and imaging support a correctable intra-articular problem and non-operative care has not provided an acceptable result.
Hip arthroscopy can be used in selected cases to address problems such as impingement-related bone shape and labral pathology. The exact procedure depends on the diagnosis and joint condition.
Seek urgent assessment for severe pain after injury with inability to bear weight or deformity, a hot swollen joint with fever, or other rapidly worsening concerning symptoms.
MECHANISM · MOVEMENT · IMAGING
Bring the symptom timeline, sport or activity triggers and any previous imaging. The consultation connects those pieces before deciding whether rehabilitation, further investigation or surgery is proportionate.
YOUR SPECIALIST
Prof. Hanna is a UK board-certified consultant orthopaedic hip and knee surgeon at Healthpoint Hospital, Abu Dhabi. His clinical interests include primary and revision hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted joint replacement and arthroscopic treatment of selected sports and soft-tissue conditions.