Hip labral tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the hip socket that adds stability and cushions the joint. Read more about hip labral tear →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
About hip labral tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the hip socket that adds stability and cushions the joint. A labral tear is damage to it, often from the shape of the hip bones (impingement), a twisting injury, or wear over time. It can cause pain in the groin or hip, clicking or catching, and stiffness, though some tears cause no symptoms at all.
How it is treated
Treatment usually starts without surgery: activity changes, physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the hip, and pain relief, sometimes with a guided steroid injection. An MRI or MR arthrogram scan can confirm the tear. If symptoms persist, a specialist may consider keyhole surgery (hip arthroscopy) to repair or trim the torn labrum and reshape any bone that is pinching.
After treatment
Recovery depends on whether you had surgery. With physiotherapy alone, people build back to normal activity over weeks to months. After arthroscopy, you may use crutches for a short time, and a structured rehabilitation programme over several months is usual before a full return to sport. Keeping up the physiotherapy exercises makes the biggest difference to the result.
Sources: NHS: Hip pain, NHS: Arthroscopy. Last updated October 2026.
What happens next with hip labral tear
The usual steps, from seeing your GP to recovery, and the questions people ask at each one.
Before referral
How do I get this looked at?
See your GP about hip or groin pain, catching or clicking. They can examine you, suggest physiotherapy, and refer you if needed. Your NHS waiting time starts once a hospital receives a referral.
Source: NHS, Hip pain
Does it always need surgery?
No. Many people improve with physiotherapy, and keyhole surgery is considered if symptoms persist.
Source: NHS, Hip pain
Getting referred
How do I get referred?
Ask your GP to refer you to an orthopaedic or musculoskeletal (MSK) service. For most planned care you have a legal right to choose which hospital, including one with a shorter wait.
Source: NHS, Your choices in the NHS
Your first hospital appointment
What happens at the appointment?
A specialist or MSK team examines your hip, talks through the options, and may arrange a scan. Bring your symptoms and questions.
Source: NHS, Going into hospital
Will I need a scan?
Often an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to look at the hip.
Source: NHS, Hip pain
Deciding on treatment
What are my options?
Options range from physiotherapy to keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) to repair or tidy the torn cartilage. Your specialist will talk through what fits you.
Source: NHS, Arthroscopy
Should I plan time off work?
Keyhole hip surgery often means time off and crutches for a while. Ask the hospital.
Source: NHS, Arthroscopy
On the waiting list
How long is the wait?
It varies by hospital. Wait or Pay shows the typical wait at each hospital, and the hospital can tell you your place.
Will I get a check before surgery?
Yes, most people have a pre-operative assessment a few weeks before.
Source: NHS, Having surgery
Should I plan driving and time off?
You won’t drive for a while after, so plan lifts.
Source: NHS, Arthroscopy
Recovery
How long is recovery?
Recovery is gradual with physiotherapy over weeks to months. Your physiotherapist or specialist will guide you.
Source: NHS, Arthroscopy
What if I’ll be off work a while?
You may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay while you recover.
Source: GOV.UK, Statutory Sick Pay
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.