It depends. Surgery is not always required or recommended for a labrum tear. A person’s age, the extent of the injury, and overall hip health are factors to consider.  Surgery is not typically recommended for people ages 40 and up. This is because a hip labrum tear is often an early sign of arthritis. If you have osteoarthritis, a hip replacement may be needed in the future. In addition, other treatments, including physical therapy, may be equally as effective as surgery for a minor tear.