We reviewed the cases of 10 patients with acetabular labral tear diagnosed
and treated arthroscopically. The posterior portion of the labrum had a tea
r lesion in 7 patients, the anterior portion in 4, and the superior portion
in 1. A longitudinal tear was found in 8 patients, a degenerative tear in
1, and fibrillation in 1. Eight patients who were treated by arthroscopic p
artial limbectomy experienced prompt pain relief, and were free of symptoms
at the latest follow-up. The remaining 2 patients were treated conservativ
ely but their symptoms did not subside. The following three findings were h
ighly indicative of a torn acetabular labrum in the current study: (1) Pain
elicited by internal rotation with the joint flexed 90 degrees, (2) pain e
licited by axial compression to the joint flexed 90 degrees and slightly ad
ducted, and (3) tenderness posterior to the greater trochanter. These findi
ngs were positive in 7, 10, and 8 patients, respectively. To diagnose aceta
bular labral tear, these signs and arthroscopy are useful.