Labral Tear in The Acetabulofemoral Joint in A Collegiate Female Athlete: A Case Study

The labrum of the hip is a fibrocartilaginous structure that lies in the acetabulofemoral joint, between the femoral head and the acetabulum. With the main role of stabilizing the joint, the labrum also makes sure that the pressure that is placed upon the joint is dispersed throughout the entirety of the surface, provides the joint with adequate amounts of synovial fluid, and protects the joint against trauma by not allowing the bones or cartilage to rub directly upon each other. Research has shown that the labrum reduces 92% of the stress that is placed upon the acetabulofemoral joint [1]. In active individuals, the acetabular head is kept within the joint by the surrounding muscles and the help of the labrum. Some researchers believe that the labrum does not have a job in the function of the hip when weight is placed upon it [1].