Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears are a common cause of hip pain. Commonly symptoms are felt along the front of the hip or groin and can be sharp in nature. Researchers have found both FAI and labral tears in patients without symptoms or a loss in function. The reasons for this disconnect between pathology and pain continues to be explored. Authors commonly believe a loss of strength may play in a role in presentation of a symptomatic hip with this presentation.
A recent study was published to determine the most common impairments in patients with symptomatic labral tears and FAI (Nepple et al. Arthroscopy. 2015). Authors included 50 patients undergoing hip surgery for treatment of FAI and labral tears (age 32, 64% male). Each patient underwent a physical exam including range of motion and strength measurements with a hand held dynamometer. Authors found strength deficits were common among the group of symptomatic hips. Specifically, an 8 and 9% reduction in hip flexion and abduction, respectively. Interestingly, patients with hip flexion weakness were more likely to have a reduction in function and a more symptomatic hip.
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