Hip labral tear: surgery or just therapy? new study aims to settle the debate

NCT ID NCT03909178

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares two treatments for a torn hip labrum in people aged 40 and older: arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear versus physical therapy alone. Researchers want to find out which approach leads to better hip function and less pain. The goal is to help doctors and patients decide when surgery is truly needed and when conservative care may be enough.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Hip arthroscopy surgery with labral repair
What this could lead to: If this trial succeeds, it could show that physical therapy is as good as surgery for many older patients, helping avoid unnecessary operations.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial (110 people) and results may not apply to everyone. Also, some patients may still need surgery later if therapy fails.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Femoracetabular Impingement osteoarthritis osteoarthritis, hip

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACETABULAR LABRUM TEAR FEMORO ACETABULAR IMPINGEMENT HIP ARTHROSCOPY OSTEOARTHRITIS, HIP PHYSICAL THERAPY

Contacts and locations

Locations

MGH, Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

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