From the Guidelines
A torn labrum cannot be directly caused by a FABER test, though the test may reveal an existing labral tear. The FABER test (Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation) is a diagnostic examination used to assess hip pathology, not a cause of injury. If you experienced pain during a FABER test, this suggests you may have a pre-existing labral tear that was detected by the test.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Treatment typically begins with conservative measures including:
- Rest
- Physical therapy focusing on hip stabilization exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily with food) or naproxen (500mg twice daily with food) for 1-2 weeks to manage pain and inflammation, as suggested by 1. For persistent symptoms, a corticosteroid injection may be considered, with a rating of 5 for image-guided anesthetic corticosteroid injection hip joint or surrounding structures, as indicated by 2. Severe tears or those not responding to conservative treatment after 6-12 weeks may require arthroscopic surgery to repair or debride the torn labrum, with MR arthrography hip being the most appropriate radiologic procedure, rated 9 by 2. Recovery from surgery typically takes 4-6 months with graduated physical therapy. The acetabular labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the hip socket and provides stability to the joint; tears commonly occur from repetitive motions or trauma and can cause pain, clicking, and limited range of motion in the hip, as discussed in 3.
Imaging Recommendations
For patients with chronic hip pain and suspected labral tear, MR arthrography hip is the most appropriate radiologic procedure, with a rating of 9, as indicated by 2. MRI hip without IV contrast or US hip is also appropriate in patients with chronic hip pain when radiographs are negative, equivocal, or nondiagnostic and there is a suspicion for an extra-articular noninfectious soft tissue abnormality such as tendonitis, as suggested by 3. It is essential to follow the recommended imaging guidelines to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of labral tears, as emphasized by 1, 2, 3.
From the Research
Torn Labrum from a Faber Test
- A torn labrum can be caused by various factors, including trauma, femoroacetabular impingement, capsular laxity, dysplasia, and degeneration 4.
- The Faber test is a clinical test used to diagnose acetabular labral tears, and it has been investigated in several studies to determine its diagnostic validity 5.
- According to a study published in 2009, the Faber test had a sensitivity of 44% and a specificity of 50% in diagnosing acetabular labral tears, compared to MR arthrography 5.
- Another study published in 2019 reviewed the literature on diagnosis and treatment of labral tears and found that the mechanism of labral tear has been well explained, but the long-term outcomes of various treatments remain unknown 6.
- The diagnosis of labral tears can be challenging, and various clinical tests, including the Faber test, have been described to aid in diagnosis 5, 6.
- Imaging studies, such as MR arthrography, can also be used to diagnose labral tears, and arthroscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment 4, 6.
- Treatment options for labral tears include conservative management, such as rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy, as well as surgical treatment, including labral debridement, labral repair, and labral reconstruction 7, 4, 6.