What imaging is best for a labral tear?

Arthroscopy is considered the best method to diagnose a SLAP tear. Arthroscopy allows the most clear and detailed imaging, which a physical examination may not be accurate, and an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan could miss a small tear.

Can hip labral tear cause leg pain?

Rotating your leg may be particularly painful. Acetabular labral tears often cause a feeling of the leg “catching” or “clicking” in the hip socket as you move it. It may also feel like the leg is locking up. Over time, the increased stress on the joint could lead to further deterioration and permanent damage.

Can a hip labral tear cause nerve pain?

Labrum tears are increasingly recognized as a major cause of hip pain stemming from the nerve endings in the labrum itself.

Does a torn hip labrum hurt all the time?

The intensity of pain and other symptoms varies by individual and by the severity of the damage. Some patients with diagnosable hip labral tears may not experience any noticeable pain at all. Some patients also report experiencing the hip locking up during everyday use.

What to avoid if you have a hip labral tear?

What Should be Avoided with a Hip Labral Tear? Positions of pain such as excessive hip extension, jumping and pivoting should be avoided as it can cause impingement of the hip joint and spasm of the surrounding musculature.

How long does a hip labral tear take to heal?

Whether you are treated surgically or nonsurgically, recovery from a torn hip labrum can take up to six weeks. Depending on the extent of the injury, competitive athletes may return to their sport sometime between 2 and 6 months.

What aggravates hip labral tear?

Many patients with labral tears describe a constant dull pain with intermittent episodes of sharp pain that worsens with activity. Walking, pivoting, prolonged sitting, and impact activities, such as running, often aggravate symptoms.

Does a hip labral tear hurt all the time?

Does a MRI with contrast hurt?

An MRI with contrast is generally painless, but you may experience some discomfort with the IV or needle used to inject the dye. You will be placed on a table and positioned so that the scan will show the affected area most clearly.

What is a spine MRI with contrast?

A spine MRI with contrast is a magnetic resonance imaging test, which produces images of the spine to facilitate the diagnosis of medical conditions. The contrast material, which is commonly gadolinium , may be swallowed or injected to allow the doctor to more clearly detect potential problems.

Is contrast necessary for MRI?

Contrast-enhanced MRIs involve an injection of contrast agent to increase image sensitivity. An MRI without contrast is suitable for most conditions as long as extra detail isn’t required. An MRI machine uses the magnetic properties of particles in the body to form an image.

What should I expect from a hip MRI?

During a hip MRI, the patient is asked to lie very still in a tube-like structure as the test is performed. A loud, clanging noise may be heard throughout the test, as the magnets move to provide accurate imaging. The test is painless and completely non-invasive and usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. An MRI machine is composed of three parts.