Obturator & Femoral Nerve Blocks and Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Hip Pain
Chronic hip pain can make everyday activities, walking, sitting, or sleeping - extremely difficult.
When hip pain doesn’t respond to physical therapy, medications, or injections into the joint itself,
ASCPM clinicians can target the nerves carrying pain signals.
What Is This Treatment?
The obturator and femoral nerves supply sensation to different parts of the hip and thigh.
When these nerves contribute to ongoing pain, they can be safely targeted with a two-step approach:
- Diagnostic Nerve Blocks
A small amount of numbing medication is injected around the obturator and femoral nerves.
If these blocks temporarily relieve a significant amount of pain, it suggests these nerves are contributing
to your symptoms. - Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
If the test blocks are successful, radiofrequency ablation may be performed.
This procedure uses controlled heat to interrupt pain signals from the targeted nerves, providing longer-lasting relief.
How Does This Benefit Patients?
- Helps reduce chronic hip pain without surgery
- May improve mobility and daily function
- Minimally invasive with no incisions
- Often provides longer-lasting relief (commonly 6–12 months or more)
- May be a good option for patients who are not surgical candidates or wish to delay or avoid hip replacement
This treatment is commonly considered for:
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Persistent pain after hip replacement
- Chronic hip pain when surgery is not an option
What to Expect During the Procedure
The procedure is performed in the clinic using fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound for precision.
The skin is numbed with local anesthetic, and the treatment itself typically takes about 15 minutes.
Please plan to be at the clinic for approximately 1 hour to allow for pre- and post-procedure safety checks.
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Mild soreness afterward can occur and usually resolves on its own.
How Long Does Relief Last?
- Nerve blocks: temporary relief, often several hours
- Radiofrequency ablation: typically 6–12 months, sometimes longer
- The procedure may be repeated if pain returns, based on provider guidance
Is It Safe?
Serious complications are rare, and the procedure is generally well tolerated.
Patients with diabetes can typically receive treatment, though blood sugar should be monitored briefly afterward.
Your provider will review risks and precautions based on your medical history.
If chronic hip pain is limiting your quality of life, obturator and femoral nerve RFA may offer lasting relief without surgery.
Talk to your ASCPM provider to learn whether this option is right for you.
