Labral Tears - Symptoms

[NightHipPain]

Hi there

I have been trying to have my lateral hip pain diagnosed. All my scans were coming up clear so my GP suggested I may have a labral tear. The orthopaedic surgeon, I have seen since, has said it isn't a labral tear as MRI was clear and during the range of motion tests he did it didn't suggest a labral tear. Also I have no clicking etc in the hips.

Has anyone been diagnosed with a labral tear with symptoms of lateral hip pain and no clicking? It's a deep, sharp pain is the best way I can describe it.
The pain gets worse from sitting at a desk all day.
Also the pain at night is unbearable, waking me up in the middle of the night...

[Jean M]

Yup, I was diagnosed with a labral tear and eventually, FAI (lack of clearance in the socket). I didn't have any clicking; just the very occasional catching sensation. Nightime was worse for me; coudn't get into a comfortable position due to lots of referred pain, especially nerve pain. For several nites I distinctly remember a deep, sharp pain as I rolled over. Thought someone was digging a knife into me! Look, as far as I'm concerned hip problems present with a WIDE RANGE of symptoms. You only have to trawl through this site to appreciate that this is a very difficult area, not easily diagnosed, and with conflicting opinions on whether or not to treat surgically. I'm one of the ones who's had an arthroscopic labral tear repair and femoral bone shaving. My pains levels have decreased SUBSTANTIALLY. Most nites I now get a decent nite's sleep (after 2 and half years of pain I think I deserve it)..................

[NightHipPain]

Thanks for reply Jean M. A sharp "knife like" pain is exactly what I'm getting at night.
I have to force myself to sleep on my back.

I feel so frustrated as today was the 9th Dr I have seen re my hip pain and because my scans are all clear they seem to think it's all in my head or something, despite the fact that the pain is so bad I now have a noticeable limp!

[oscarsmum]

Hi
Many of us know exactly how you feel and have had the same problem getting diagnosed.Remember that pain is your bodies way of letting you know that something is wrong, it is real and you shouldn't give up until you find the answer. Have you had an MRA to see if there is a tear? Sometimes they don't show on a normal MRI.
Where abouts do you live, maybe someone can recommend a good surgeon near to you who would be worth seeing.I'm in the UK and have had the same thing with my surgeon, who admitted he didn't know the best way to treat me, so I have asked to be referred to a different surgeon of my choice.
Good luck, and don't give up until you have an answer
Kate

[NightHipPain]

Thanks for reply oscarsmum. Saw another specialist today who said I definately don't have labral tears. He said MRI would have shown it and that he's never had a case of labral tears not appearing on an MRI.
I disagreed with him and said I wanted an MRA, but had no luck in getting referred for MRA.
Grrr, so frustrated....everytime I go to a new dr they do a range of motion test and everytime the pain gets worse.
I'm in WA, Australia. If anyone knows a good surgeon in Perth please let me know!

[soccermom]

nighthippain....
i am not saying your dr. is wrong....but i have 2 mra's and 1 mri that show NO labral tears and 2 surgeries with pictures of tears to prove. you need to try a specialist who can do hip arthroscopies.....
margaret

[NightHipPain]

soccermom- I agree with you 100%. It's so important to find the right Dr. I have just posted another thread asking for people to recommend good surgeons. There is nothing more frustrating than going to 10 different Drs and having them all look very puzzled and implying it's all in my head as the scans are all clear....
Just because the scans are all clear doesn't mean there isn't a problem, they just aren't looking hard enough! Do they really think I'm wasting all my time and money just to see them for the fun of it!

[oscarsmum]

Hi,
I'm not sure how things work in Australia, but it sounds like your GP is on your side. Is it possible to go back to him/her and asked to be referred to a specialist who does arthroscopies ? Also have you been checked out for referred pain from your back? A steoid and aneasthetic injection into the joint would also prove that the problem is with your hip, have you had this done ?
Good luck wilth your seach. Eventually you will get the answers ,but I do know how frustrating it is. Keep us informed
Take care
Kate

[Jean M]

Dear Nighthippain: I know of one guy (who posts on this site) who's sent all his scans and X-rays to the best guy in Australia for hip problems: John O'Donnell. He's in Richmond, Victoria. He was my surgeon - you won't find better. Several people on this site (including myself) have actually flown to Melbourne to have him do the surgery. He DEFINITELY won't make you feel like you're imagining it.
Good luck

[NightHipPain]

Dear Nighthippain: I know of one guy (who posts on this site) who's sent all his scans and X-rays to the best guy in Australia for hip problems: John O'Donnell. He's in Richmond, Victoria. He was my surgeon - you won't find better. Several people on this site (including myself) have actually flown to Melbourne to have him do the surgery. He DEFINITELY won't make you feel like you're imagining it.
Good luck

I'm beginning to think flying to Melbourne is my only option. I have tried getting an MRA, but the usual response I get from the Drs here is "What's an MRA?"