Obturator and Femoral Nerve Blocks and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
(Non-Surgical Relief for Chronic Hip Pain)
Overview
Chronic hip pain can originate from multiple sources, including the joints, soft tissues, or nerves supplying the hip region. The obturator and femoral nerves are key sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the hip. If these nerves are contributing to your discomfort, nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may offer significant, non-surgical pain relief.
This treatment is especially beneficial for patients with:
- Persistent hip pain after hip replacement surgery
- Osteoarthritis-related hip pain unresponsive to other treatments
- Non-surgical candidates who want to avoid more invasive procedures
What are the risks and side effects?
Risks and side effects are minimal, and serious complications are rare. We take every precaution to ensure your safety. Potential risks may include but are not limited to:
- Temporary flare-up of pain
- Bleeding or infection (rare)
- Vasovagal response (fainting or dizziness)
- Numbness or weakness (temporary)
- Allergic reaction to medication
- Unintended nerve injury (very rare)
Ask your provider if you have any concerns. Your physician will review the risks in detail before the procedure to ensure you are fully informed.
Pre-Procedure Information
How Should I Prepare?
- Driver Required: We ask that you arrange for a driver to take you home after the procedure.
- Food: You may eat a light meal 1–2 hours prior to the procedure. If sedation is planned, please follow the specific sedation protocol provided by our team.
Medications:
- Continue routine medications unless directed otherwise.
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Blood thinners, Aspirin, NSAIDs, and supplements:
- Inform us in advance if you take blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), Aspirin, or supplements that increase bleeding risk.
- Certain medications may need to be stopped for a short period of time before the injection.
- Speak with your prescribing provider to ensure it’s safe to temporarily stop these medications.
- Our team will review your medication list and coordinate with your other providers if needed.
Notify us if:
- You have a fever, infection, or are feeling unwell.
- You have started antibiotics or had changes to your medications.
Special Instructions for Diabetic Patients:
Steroid injections may raise blood sugar levels for several days
- Please contact your primary care physician or endocrinologist prior to the procedure for management recommendations.
- Monitor your glucose closely after the injection.
- Report sustained elevations to your managing provider.
What if I am pregnant?
There are serious potential risks to an unborn fetus from imaging used during this procedure (e.g., X-ray/fluoroscopy). If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please notify our team immediately and postpone the injection until pregnancy is ruled out.
Procedure Information
The procedure is performed using sterile technique under real-time image guidance
Step-by-Step Treatment Process
Step 1 – Diagnostic Obturator and Femoral Nerve Block
A diagnostic nerve block is performed using a small needle and image guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound). A local anesthetic is injected around the obturator and femoral nerves.
- Purpose: To determine if these nerves are the source of the pain.
- Expected Relief: Temporary (typically 6–12 hours).
- If patients report a significant reduction in pain, they may qualify for RFA
Step 2 – Repeat Diagnostic Block
A second nerve block is performed on a different day to confirm the diagnosis. Two successful diagnostic blocks provide strong evidence that the obturator and femoral nerves are causing pain.
Step 3 – Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
If both diagnostic blocks are positive, radiofrequency ablation can be performed.
- A specialized probe uses heat to disrupt the pain signals from the obturator and femoral nerves.
- This can provide pain relief lasting 6–12 months or longer in many cases.
- Performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance.
Post-Procedure Information
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Relief Timeline: Soreness from the procedure is common. Lasting relief from RFA typically begins within 2–4 weeks.
- Activity: Rest for the remainder of the day. Resume light activities the following day and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24–48 hours.
- Symptom Tracking: Keep a journal of your symptoms for follow-up.
If successful, additional injections may be spaced out over time—typically no more than 3–4 per year in the same region.
Additional Instructions:
- Contact the office for any signs of infection, fever, or worsening pain.
- Attend follow-up as scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're experiencing chronic hip pain that has not improved with physical therapy or medications, nerve blocks and RFA may offer lasting relief without surgery. Contact Restore Spine and Pain to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.