Hip Labral Augmentation

Hip labral augmentation is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to reinforce a damaged hip labrum. It is recommended when the existing labrum is still present but too weak or too small to function properly. Instead of removing the entire labrum as in a reconstruction, augmentation strengthens what remains.

Dr. Lall will add a tissue graft, taken either from the patient or from a donor, to increase the labrum’s thickness and restore the stability and fluid mechanics of the hip joint. The graft is placed directly over the native labrum to add support and improve its ability to seal the joint. Once positioned, Dr. Lall secures the graft with anchors and sutures along the acetabular rim, allowing it to blend with and reinforce the weakened labrum.

By keeping the native labrum intact, augmentation maintains the nerve endings and biologic properties that help the hip function normally. It is often chosen when the labrum is partially torn, degenerative, or too small to create a strong, reliable seal on its own.

Like any surgical procedure, hip labral augmentation carries risks. Infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia remain the most recognized complications, though they are uncommon with modern techniques.

Hip labral augmentation is primarily used to treat structural problems that compromise the labrum and alter biomechanics across the hip joint. These include:

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): Abnormal bone contact between the femoral head and hip socket can damage the labrum over time, causing tears and chronic pain. Augmentation reinforces the labrum after the impingement is corrected arthroscopically.
• Degenerative or hypoplastic labrum: Some patients naturally have a thin or weak labrum that does not seal the joint effectively. Others develop chronic fraying or degeneration that cannot be repaired with sutures alone.
• Previous failed labral repair: Patients who had prior hip surgery may have a compromised labrum that still causes pain and symptoms. Augmentation supports and restores the tissue without requiring full reconstruction.
• Instability of the hip joint: When the labrum no longer creates a tight suction seal, the hip can feel unstable during movement, leading to pain, clicking, catching, and limited motion.

Hip labral augmentation is performed using advanced arthroscopic techniques—small incisions, specialized instruments, and a camera that allows the surgeon to visualize the joint in high detail. Dr. Lall’s expertise in minimally invasive hip preservation ensures the procedure is done with precision and minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.

After evaluating the labrum, Dr. Lall determines where the tissue is insufficient or damaged. The labrum is preserved, and a graft—typically a processed tendon graft—is prepared to match the shape and size needed. This graft is anchored along the rim of the socket alongside the existing labrum, reinforcing and restoring its sealing function. Any contributing bone abnormalities, such as impingement, are corrected during the same procedure to prevent recurrence.

The goal is to create a stable, healthy labrum that works in concert with the patient’s native tissue to restore normal biomechanics.

Watch a hip labral augmentation demonstration

Like any orthopedic procedure, hip labral augmentation carries potential risks, though serious complications are uncommon. Risks may include temporary stiffness, bleeding, infection, nerve irritation, persistent symptoms, or incomplete healing of the graft. When impingement or structural issues are not fully addressed, ongoing pain may occur, which is why selecting an experienced hip preservation surgeon is critical.

The benefits are significant for many patients. By reinforcing the labrum rather than removing or replacing it, augmentation:

• Restores the suction seal of the hip joint
• Improves stability during motion
• Reduces pain and mechanical symptoms
• Protects cartilage surfaces from further breakdown
• Preserves as much native tissue as possible
• Provides a strong, durable repair that resists future tearing

This tissue-preserving approach often leads to better long-term outcomes, especially for athletes and younger patients aiming to extend the lifespan of their natural hip joint.

Recovery occurs in stages. Patients typically use crutches while limiting weight-bearing to protect the repair. As pain decreases, activity restrictions ease, and rehabilitation progresses through structured physical therapy focused on restoring motion, strength, and hip stability. Most graft-to-bone healing occurs in about three to four months, while finer improvements in strength, mobility, and joint function can continue for one to two years. The biologic graft continues to heal and integrate with the native labrum for months after surgery, improving stability as healing progresses.