Sex-Based Differences in the Clinical Presentation of Patients With Symptomatic Hip Labral Tears
Authors
Lindner D, El Bitar YF, Jackson TJ, Sadik AY, Stake CE, Domb BG
DOI: 10.1177/0363546514532226
Purpose
To describe sex-based differences in demographics, clinical history, physical examination, and intraoperative findings in patients with symptomatic hip labral tears.
Methods
Prospective cohort study of 654 patients (320 males, 334 females) undergoing arthroscopic surgery for labral tears. Data on demographics, injury history, physical exam, pain (VAS), patient-reported outcomes, and operative findings were collected.
Key Findings
- Males had a higher incidence of acute injury and workers’ compensation status.
- Females had increased hip range of motion across all measures.
- Pain with palpation over the greater trochanter was more common in females.
- No significant sex differences in common impingement tests.
- Females had lower patient-reported outcome scores, despite similar pain levels.
Conclusion
Males and females differ in hip anatomy, injury patterns, and biomechanics but present similarly clinically for labral tears, with some differences in range of motion and pain localization.
What This Means for Patients
Understanding sex-specific differences may help tailor diagnosis and treatment strategies for hip labral tears, potentially improving individualized care.