Integrating Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Injections in the Diagnosis and Management of a Hip Labral Tear

Abstract

Hip pain in adults is a common complaint. Secondary processes can often mask underlying conditions, prolonging the course to diagnosis and definitive treatment. In this case, a 74-year-old man presented to an outpatient clinic after 6 weeks of right hip pain that began upon initiation of a rehabilitation program following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Various imaging and treatment modalities (including radiography, osteopathic manipulative treatment, injection of the greater trochanteric bursa, L2-3 paravertebral block, magnetic resonance imaging, and intra-articular hip injection with 1% lidocaine) ultimately led to the definitive diagnosis of a labral tear. This case report highlights how a comprehensive osteopathic approach was used to evaluate and treat a patient with persistent unilateral hip pain because of an acetabular labral tear, associated psoas syndrome, and trochanteric bursitis, all within 2 months and with a positive clinical outcome.