Hip Artery Embolization

A safe and minimally invasive option for treating hip pain

Hip artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment designed to provide lasting relief from the pain and range of motion restrictions caused by hip osteoarthritis. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses a small catheter, guided by X-ray imaging, to block specific, abnormal blood vessels within the hip joint. This procedure has been clinically shown to reduce pain and inflammation without the need for surgery.

In addition to osteoarthritis, hip artery embolization can treat chronic inflammation around the hip joint. It is also used for those who have already had hip replacement surgery and are still experiencing pain.

If you’ve been diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis, we invite you to consult with us to learn all your options! We are always willing to work with other doctors and members of your care team to make sure that you receive all the information to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Hip artery embolization is recommended for patients who:

Have chronic hip pain from osteoarthritis or after previous surgery
Have not obtained adequate relief from medications, physical therapy or injections
Are looking for alternatives to hip replacement surgery
Have imaging findings that suggest abnormal blood vessel growth

The Hip Artery Embolization Procedure

After numbing the skin, the interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter through the skin in the wrist or thigh.
Using imaging to guide the procedure, the doctor advances the catheter to the abnormal blood vessels within the hip joint
Tiny microparticles are injected into these abnormal arteries, reducing the flow of blood to normal levels. This reduces pain and inflammation.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please call 205-905-8411.