Hip embolization (transarterial embolization): Patient Guide

Who it may help

• Hip osteoarthritis pain for 3 months or more
• Some chronic pain on the outside of the hip (greater trochanteric pain), after an evaluation
• Pain that has not improved enough with exercise, physical therapy, medicines or injections
• People who want to avoid or delay hip replacement, or who are not candidates for it

Who may not be a good fit

• Infection in or near the hip
• A hip replacement on that side
• Collapse of the hip bone (avascular necrosis) or very advanced arthritis that may need a surgical evaluation
• Pain mainly from the low back or nerves
• Serious kidney disease, a severe allergy to contrast dye or a bleeding problem
• Pregnancy

Before

• Bring your X-rays, MRI reports and a list of your medicines.
• Tell us about blood thinners, diabetes, kidney problems, or an allergy to contrast dye or iodine.
• We may order a blood test to check your kidneys.
• Do not stop any medicine on your own. We will tell you what to do.
• Arrange a driver for the day of the procedure.

During

• Light sedation and numbing medicine at the wrist or groin.
• A thin catheter is guided with X-ray to small arteries near the hip.
• Tiny particles slow the extra blood flow.
• It often takes about 1 to 2 hours. Most people go home the same day.

After and recovery

• Keep the access site clean and dry. Avoid heavy lifting with that arm or leg for a few days.
• Most people return to light activity within a day or two.
• Some soreness in the joint, bruising at the access site, or a short-term skin color change over the joint can happen and usually fades.
• If pain improves, the change often builds over several weeks. Some people notice little or no change.
• Keep up with exercise or physical therapy as advised.

Risks

• Bruising, bleeding or a small lump where the catheter went in (wrist or groin)
• A reaction to the contrast dye, or strain on the kidneys from the dye
• Short-term skin color change, tenderness or a warm feeling over the treated joint
• Rarely, particles reach an area that was not intended, which can injure skin or other tissue
• Infection is uncommon
• Pain may not improve

Questions people ask

Is hip embolization surgery?
No. It is a minimally invasive procedure done through a thin catheter at the wrist or groin. There is no cut into the hip.

Does it fix the hip?
No. It does not repair cartilage. It aims to reduce the abnormal blood flow linked with inflammation and pain.

How soon might I feel a change?
If it helps, the change often builds over several weeks. Results vary, and some people notice little or no change.

Will I stay overnight?
Most people go home the same day after a period of rest and monitoring. Plan to have a driver.

Can I still have other treatments later?
Yes. Embolization does not rule out physical therapy, injections or joint replacement later.

Insurance

Coverage for embolization varies. Many insurers consider genicular artery embolization, and embolization for the shoulder or hip, investigational, so it may not be covered. Our team will check your plan and talk with you about costs before anything is scheduled.