Study: Golfers Susceptible to Hip Injuries That Can Lead to Arthritis

Golfers are susceptible to labral tears that can result in arthritis if not treated, according to a study reported December 1 at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago.

The labrum is a ligament-like cartilage that contains nerves and lines the socket of the hip.

"Ten years ago, labral tears were infrequently diagnosed," said study co-author Dr. Derek Armfield, assistant professor radiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Armfield said the ability to detect labral injuries using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has increased significantly in the last 10 years. Arthroscopic surgical techniques have also been developed to treat these injuries without subjecting the patient to major surgery, he added.

The study involved eight professional golfers suffering from hip pain who underwent a physical examination, MRI and hip arthroscopy. All of the golfers had labral injuries and later underwent successful arthroscopic surgery. Armfield said an MRI is a good first step for diagnosing hip pain.

"In the past, patients with hip pain were often diagnosed with arthritis, and the only treatment option offered was a total hip replacement somewhere down the road," said study co-author Dr. Douglas D. Robertson, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "Today, patients living with hip pain can not only be diagnosed and treated, they also can return to their previous level of activity."

Robertson called the findings "a wake-up call that hip injuries are not uncommon for golfers and hip pain should not be ignored."

Other sources: Radiological Society of North America