What is the recovery process after hip labrum tear surgery and will I be medboarded as a result of the surgery?

SPC Kaitlyn Adair — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 16:42:41 -0500

I've been experiencing pain in my left hip for about a year and half now and have struggled getting treatment or having it taken seriously. I've tried all the conservative treatment they could think of including profiles, physical therapy, injections, but none have truly helped. I finally got an MRI which showed a labrum tear and tendonitis in my hip, but no FAI.

The army doc basically told me my only options are more injections, physical therapy, or pills so I went to another doctor for a second opinion and they suggested surgery to repair the tear and any other damage they found. I'd like to hear about what others have experienced with this surgery in the army and if it will result in a medboard.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Mar 13 at 2021 5:56 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 17:56:51 -0500

Ouch. I had the year, it was not fixable and I ended up with a hip replacement

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 13 at 2021 6:35 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 18:35:53 -0500

If you go the MEB route find a way to get into the WTU if you have one on post so you can focus on your medical needs, healing, and transition out of the service. Keep us abreast because some of the posters have taken this path. They will paint the picture for u.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2021 6:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 18:36:14 -0500

Whether or not you receive a med board comes down to how well you recover and if you're capable of performing your military duties after

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2021 8:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 20:41:18 -0500

It dosent result in a medboard every time, my older brother had the same surgery and is still in the army. You may not have control of your core causing distended stomach for a few days till everything re-strengthens, but over all the recovery isn’t to taxing and if you wish to stay in the army it’s very possible if that is what you choose, but I’m sure a doctor will tell you if your able to stay in or not. Hope this helps

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 13 at 2021 9:59 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 21:59:29 -0500

SPC Kaitlyn Adair Please take care of your body. At the age of 87, I do wish I had been more judicious and careful as to how I used my (then), strengths!

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Mar 13 at 2021 10:44 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 22:44:49 -0500

Hope all turns out well. We all know that uncle needs (even back in my ancient time) lean mean fighting machines. Uncle isn't gonna just kick you out. However, if you're not up to what you should be, you put yourself in danger and also those around you. I ended up with shoulder impingement, had surgery, and got a right arm that pretty much ended up having trouble lifting a gallon of milk. They let me finish up my last year of my enlistment-but that was it. Oh well, 25 years was a good run.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2021 12:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 00:27:47 -0500

As stated it is up to how you recover. I have seen Soldiers who have the same injury have different outcomes. I have a labrum tear in my shoulder. I didn't need surgery but I pretty much rehabbed myself. It took a long time but I have pretty much full use of my left arm.

Response by SPC Kaitlyn Adair made May 13 at 2021 1:11 AM

SPC Kaitlyn Adair — Thu, 13 May 2021 01:11:37 -0400

I had the surgery this past Friday and I'm currently on con leave and have just begun physical therapy.