Hip Pain Embolization (TAME)

A minimally invasive treatment for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome and Hip Osteoarthritis

Understanding Hip Pain

Chronic hip pain can arise from conditions such as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) or Hip Osteoarthritis. In both cases, inflammation of the tendons, bursae, or joint tissues can cause persistent pain that affects walking, sleep, and overall quality of life. Over time, abnormal tiny blood vessels may form around these inflamed tissues. These vessels contribute to ongoing inflammation and pain. Transarterial Microembolization (TAME) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that targets and blocks these abnormal vessels to reduce pain and improve function.

Common Conditions Treated

1. Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (trochanteric bursitis, gluteal tendinopathy)
2. Hip Osteoarthritis
3. Chronic lateral hip pain after trauma or surgery
4. Refractory hip pain not responding to injection or physiotherapy

Who May Benefit

You may be suitable for TAME if:

1. You have chronic hip pain lasting more than 3 months
2. Physiotherapy, medications, or steroid injections have not provided lasting relief
3. You are not a candidate for surgery or wish to delay joint replacement
4. Ultrasound or MRI shows signs of inflammation or increased vascularity around the hip joint or trochanteric region

How the Procedure Is Performed

1. Performed by an interventional radiologist
2. Done under local anaesthesia with light sedation for comfort
3. A small catheter is inserted into an artery (usually through the groin)
4. Under X-ray guidance, the catheter is advanced to the small arteries supplying the painful area of the hip
5. Tiny microparticles are injected to block the abnormal vessels while preserving normal blood flow
6. The procedure usually takes about one hour and is performed as a day-stay treatment

Benefits

1. Minimally invasive – no surgical incision
2. Performed under local anaesthesia
3. Short recovery time – most patients return to daily activities within a few days
4. Reduction in pain and improvement in mobility
5. Potential to delay or avoid major surgery

Risks and Side Effects

Complications are uncommon but may include:

1. Mild bruising or tenderness at the puncture site
2. Temporary warmth, tingling, or mild skin discolouration around the hip
3. Short-term increase in hip discomfort for a few days
4. Rarely: infection, tissue injury, or skin ulceration

After the Procedure

1. Most patients go home the same day
2. Light activities can usually resume the next day
3. Gradual improvement in pain and movement is expected over several weeks
4. Physiotherapy is recommended to maintain flexibility and strengthen the surrounding muscles

Talk to Us

If you suffer from chronic hip pain due to Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome or Hip Osteoarthritis or other reasons and wish to explore a non-surgical treatment option, please speak with your interventional radiologist or referring doctor about Hip Pain Embolization (TAME).