Treatment of Chronic Hip Pain by Application of Conventional Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation to the Articular Branches of the Femoral and Obturatory Nerve

Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation to the Articular Branches of the Femoral and Obturatory Nerve in Chronic Hip Pain

The estimated prevalence of hip joint pain is 7% in men and 10% in women over the age of 45 years.Although physical therapy and weight loss, use of walking aids (such as walking sticks) and analgesic agents are used as conservative treatment methods, these methods usually provide short-term and partial benefits.The anterior sensory innervation of the hip joint is provided by the articular branches of the femoral and obturatory nerve. Denervation of the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves with the radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) method is a method used in chronic hip pain. In this study, we aimed to show the decrease in pain levels and the effect on quality of life of patients who underwent hip RFT.

Hip pain is a common medical condition with increasing age.The effectiveness of conservative methods used in hip pain is limited.Since the lifespan of prostheses used in hip surgery is limited, new methods are needed in the treatment of pain.The anterior sensory innervation of the hip joint is provided by the articular branches of the femoral and obturatory nerve. Denervation of the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves with the radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) method is a method used in chronic hip pain.In previous studies with small groups, it was shown that radiofrequency thermocoagulation procedure caused 50% reduction in hip pain between 1-11 months.Hip joint radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a procedure applied in our clinic. In this study, we aimed to show the decrease in pain levels and the effect on quality of life of patients who underwent hip RFT.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. be over 18 years old
2. Written consent has been obtained
3. Those with chronic hip pain for more than 3 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Major psychiatric illness
2. The patient has lumbar compression pain or referred pain
3. Patients using anticoagulant agents
4. Patients with infection in the area to be treated
5. Those who are allergic to local anesthetics
6. Those who are allergic to betamethasone
7. Pregnancy