Comprehensive Treatment for Hip Pain at the Pain and Vascular Institute
At the Pain and Vascular Institute, we offer advanced, minimally invasive solutions for patients with chronic hip pain due to arthritis, inflammation, or bursitis. One such treatment is Hip Embolization —an innovative procedure that targets the abnormal blood vessels fueling joint pain, helping patients return to an active lifestyle without the need for major surgery.
What is Hip Embolization?
Hip embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that relieves hip pain by reducing inflammation around the joint. Using a tiny catheter and x-ray guidance, the physician accesses the lateral circumflex femoral artery—a vessel that supplies abnormal branches contributing to hip inflammation and bursitis. By carefully blocking these abnormal vessels with microscopic particles, we cut off the supply of inflammatory chemicals that cause pain and joint damage.
The procedure is done through a small incision in the upper thigh, requires no stitches, and allows for a quick recovery and same-day discharge.
Why is Hip Embolization Effective?
In hip arthritis and bursitis, abnormal blood vessels form around the joint and act as pathways for inflammatory chemicals that worsen pain, swelling, and cartilage damage. Over time, this process accelerates degeneration and restricts mobility.
Hip embolization interrupts this process by blocking the abnormal vessels while preserving normal blood flow to the hip. This:
- Decreases inflammation and swelling
- Relieves pain and stiffness
- Slows disease progression
- Restores mobility and function
Frequently Asked Questions
A tiny incision (less than 1 cm) is made in the upper thigh, usually near the groin. All tools pass through this entry point, which is closed with a small band-aid.
You will receive moderate (twilight) sedation from our board-certified anesthesia team. You’ll feel like you’re taking a short nap and will typically wake up within 15 minutes of completion.
The average hip embolization procedure takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
This is an outpatient procedure. Most patients go home the same day and can resume normal daily activities within 24 hours.
Clinical studies suggest that 70% of patients experience significant pain reduction lasting several years, with many reporting improved mobility and reduced need for pain medications.
In summary:
Hip embolization is a safe, minimally invasive alternative for chronic hip pain due to arthritis. By targeting the root cause—abnormal blood vessels driving inflammation— embolization can restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life without major surgery.
