Hip pain

Who it may help

TAME may suit you if:

• you have had hip pain for more than 3 months
• physiotherapy, medication or steroid injections have not given lasting relief
• you are not suitable for surgery, or want to delay a joint replacement
• an ultrasound or MRI shows signs of inflammation or increased blood flow around the hip joint or the outside of the hip

Conditions treated

• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (trochanteric bursitis, gluteal tendinopathy)
• Hip osteoarthritis
• Chronic pain on the outside of the hip after injury or surgery
• Hip pain that has not responded to injections or physiotherapy

Illustration of GTPS and hip osteoarthritis · 1 of 2

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Understanding hip pain

Chronic hip pain can come from conditions such as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) or hip osteoarthritis. In both, 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 and add to the ongoing inflammation and pain.

Transarterial microembolisation (TAME) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that targets and blocks these abnormal vessels to reduce pain and improve function.

How the procedure is performed

1. The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist.
2. It is done under local anaesthetic with light sedation for comfort.
3. A small catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin.
4. Using X-ray guidance, the catheter is passed to the small arteries supplying the painful area of the hip.
5. Tiny particles are injected to block the abnormal vessels while keeping normal blood flow.
6. The procedure usually takes about an hour, and you go home the same day.

Access routes into the arteries · 1 of 3

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Benefits

• No surgical incision
• Local anaesthetic rather than a general anaesthetic
• Most people return to daily activities within a few days
• Less pain and better movement for many people
• May delay or avoid major surgery

After the procedure

• Most people go home the same day.
• Light activities can usually resume the next day.
• Pain and movement usually improve gradually over several weeks.
• Physiotherapy is recommended to keep the hip flexible and strengthen the surrounding muscles.