HipE Study-Hip Embolization for Pain Control in Hip Osteoarthritis and Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: 12 Months Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Transarterial Musculoskeletal Embolization (TAME) for pain relief and function improvement in hip Osteoarthritis (OA) and Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This is a prospective single-arm, single-center study conducted from March 2023 to February 2025. TAME was performed using imipenem/cilastatin as the embolic agent in mild to severe hip OA and GTPS. Pain levels, stiffness, and functional limitation were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Clinical success was defined as a ≥ 50% reduction from baseline in either the WOMAC total score or VAS score at follow-up assessments. Adverse events were recorded according to CIRSE Classification System for Complications.

RESULTS

TAME was performed in 49 patients; 37 patients have completed the 12-month follow-up, of whom 31 had hip OA and 6 had pure GTPS. Compared to baseline, significant improvements were observed at 12 months in VAS scores (7.84 ± 1.28 vs. 3,97 ± 2.40, p < 0.001), total WOMAC scores (54.36 ± 11.60 vs. 24.25 ± 14.28), WOMAC pain subscale (11.09 ± 3.10 vs. 4.71 ± 2.95, p < 0.001), WOMAC stiffness (3.21 ± 2.08 vs. 0.25 ± 1,30, p < 0.001), and WOMAC physical function (39.46 ± 9.20 vs. 18.09 ± 10.98, p < 0.001). Only 2 grade 1a adverse events were reported (groin hematomas). Clinical success was achieved in 73% of patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the OA subgroup and the pure GTPS subgroup.

CONCLUSION

TAME is a safe and effective intervention for mild to severe OA and/or GTPS at midterm follow-up.