Hip pain relief without surgery
Hip embolization treats chronic hip pain from osteoarthritis or inflammation around the outer hip by calming the abnormal blood vessels that drive inflammation and pain. It is done through a pinhole in an artery, with no incision and no general anesthesia, and you go home the same day.
Call to book: 737-241-2184 How it worksWhat causes hip pain, and how does embolization help?
Hip osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage of the hip joint wears down. It often causes pain in the groin, thigh or buttock, stiffness, and difficulty walking or putting on shoes.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome causes pain on the outer side of the hip, from inflammation of the tendons and the bursa (a small fluid-filled cushion) over the bony point of the hip. It is often worse when lying on that side or climbing stairs.
In both conditions, inflamed tissue can grow tiny abnormal blood vessels that feed inflammation and pain. Embolization reduces blood flow through these vessels, using the same approach as genicular artery embolization for the knee, while the normal blood supply to the hip is preserved.1
Who is a good candidate?
Hip embolization is a newer treatment, usually considered after standard treatments have not worked well enough. It is often a good fit if you:
- Have hip pain from osteoarthritis that has not improved enough with medication, exercise, physical therapy or injections.1
- Have pain on the outside of the hip (greater trochanteric pain syndrome) that has not responded to standard care.1
- Are not a candidate for hip replacement, or want to delay it.
- Want a joint-preserving option that does not rule out surgery later.
Embolization does not rebuild cartilage or repair the hip joint. It is not the right treatment for hip pain caused by a fracture, loss of blood supply to the hip bone (avascular necrosis), infection or a problem in the lower back.
How we decide whether hip embolization is right for you
We confirm where your pain comes from and make sure embolization is a sensible next step.
Consultation & exam
We review your symptoms and past treatments, examine your hip, and you complete a pain and function score (such as WOMAC) that we use to track your progress.
Imaging
X-rays grade your arthritis. MRI may be used to look for inflammation around the outer hip and to rule out other causes of pain.
Treatment plan
We explain all of your options, including physical therapy, injections and hip replacement, so you can choose what is right for you.
How hip embolization compares with other options
Most people with hip pain start with simple measures. Embolization fills the gap between these and surgery.
| Option | How it works | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise, weight loss & medication | Strengthening, physical therapy and pain relievers | The foundation for everyone; anti-inflammatory medicines can have side effects with long-term use |
| Injections | Steroid injections into the hip joint or bursa | Can help for weeks to months; often need repeating |
| Hip replacement | The damaged joint is replaced surgically | Very effective for advanced arthritis, but major surgery with a recovery of several weeks to months |
| Hip embolization | Abnormal vessels around the hip are treated through a pinhole in an artery | No incision, light sedation, same-day discharge, joint preserved; a newer treatment with early evidence1 |
What happens during hip embolization
Hip embolization typically takes about an hour. You are awake but relaxed throughout.
Preparation
You receive light sedation and local anesthetic at the access site. No general anesthesia is needed.
A pinhole in the upper thigh or ankle
A thin tube (catheter) is placed through a tiny puncture into the artery in your upper thigh or, in some cases, a small artery at your ankle. No incision is made.
Embolization
A temporary embolic agent or microscopic particles are injected slowly to reduce blood flow through the abnormal vessels, while preserving the normal blood supply to the hip.1
Recovery
The catheter is removed and a small dressing applied. You rest for 30 to 60 minutes and go home the same day.
Results
Hip embolization has been studied in a small number of early clinical studies. The largest followed patients with hip osteoarthritis or outer hip pain for 12 months.1
Patients whose pain or function score improved by at least half at 12 months, in a prospective study of patients with hip osteoarthritis or outer hip pain.1
Average pain score (out of 10) before and 12 months after hip embolization in the same study, with stiffness and physical function also improving.1
Average pain score (out of 10) before and 6 months after embolization in a small study of patients with advanced hip osteoarthritis.3
These studies are small and did not include a comparison group, so they cannot rule out a placebo effect. Larger randomized trials are still needed to confirm how well hip embolization works and for how long.1,2 Individual results vary, and no treatment can guarantee success.
Risks and side effects
In published studies so far, side effects have been mild. In the 12-month study, the only adverse events were two minor bruises at the groin puncture site.1 We discuss all risks with you in detail beforehand:
- Bruising or tenderness at the puncture site1
- A mild ache in the hip or thigh for a few days
- Temporary skin redness or discoloration over the treated area
- Rarely, reduced blood flow to nearby tissue
- Reaction to contrast dye or sedation
- Pain that does not improve enough, or returns over time
Frequently asked questions
Is the procedure painful?
It is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Most patients feel only the small needle at the access site. A mild ache for a few days is common.
Can I walk afterward?
Yes. You walk out the same day. Your physician will give you specific instructions about exercise and activity in the first days.
How soon will I feel better?
Many patients notice less pain within the first few weeks, and improvement can continue over the following months.1,3
Can I still have a hip replacement later?
Yes. Embolization preserves the joint and does not rule out a hip replacement in the future.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by policy. We will navigate out-of-pocket costs with you. Call us at 737-241-2184 with questions.
Find out whether hip embolization is right for you
If hip pain is limiting your life and other treatments have not helped enough, an evaluation can show whether embolization is a good option.
Call 737-241-2184 to scheduleReferences
- Cavalheiro F, Marinho Lopes P, Sousa F, et al. HipE study: hip embolization for pain control in hip osteoarthritis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome: 12 months follow-up. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2026;49(7):1295–1305. doi:10.1007/s00270-026-04403-9
- Krishnamurthy P, Konduru N, Rao S. Transcatheter arterial embolization to treat hip osteoarthritis: a pilot case series. Swiss J Radiol Nucl Med. 2026;27(1):74–82. doi:10.59667/sjoranm.v27i1.28
- Paolucci MV, et al. Study of lateral circumflex femoral artery embolization for hip osteoarthritis pain, presented at the European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, 2025. Reported by AuntMinnie
This page provides general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Study results describe groups of patients and cannot predict the outcome for an individual. Urology Austin and IR Centers · 8701 N. Mopac, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759 · 737-241-2184