Acetabular Labral Tear in Tennis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Return to Play
An acetabular labral tear is an injury to the ring of cartilage surrounding the hip socket (acetabulum). The labrum helps stabilize the hip joint and contributes to the joint's fluid seal.
In tennis players, repetitive pivoting, rotation, lunging, sudden changes of direction, and deep hip flexion can place substantial stress on the hip. Labral tears may occur gradually from repetitive loading or after an acute twisting movement.