Overview
Acetabular nerve block and ablation may be considered when persistent hip pain continues despite physiotherapy, medication, or joint injections. Hip pain can arise from arthritis, injury, overuse, or degenerative joint change, and symptoms often affect walking, standing, sitting, and daily activity.
When pain remains ongoing, the sensory nerves supplying the hip joint may contribute to symptoms. Acetabular nerve block and ablation focus on reducing pain signals from the hip joint without affecting muscle strength or joint stability. These treatments may be appropriate for people who are not suitable for surgery or who wish to delay more invasive intervention.
Who this treatment helps
Acetabular nerve block and ablation may be suitable for people with:
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Persistent hip pain despite physiotherapy or medication
- Pain limiting walking, standing, or daily activities
- Limited benefit from joint injections
- Hip pain not suitable for surgery or not responding to surgical options
- Degenerative or post injury hip pain
A consultant assessment is required to confirm suitability and identify whether the sensory nerves around the hip joint are likely to be contributing to pain.
What is an acetabular nerve block and ablation
An acetabular nerve block involves injecting local anaesthetic, sometimes combined with steroid medication, around the sensory nerve branches that supply the hip joint. This diagnostic block helps confirm whether these nerves are contributing to symptoms.
If the block provides temporary but meaningful relief, radiofrequency ablation may be considered. Ablation uses controlled heat to interrupt pain signals carried by the acetabular nerve branches. These nerves are sensory only, so treatment is not intended to reduce hip strength or interfere with joint stability.
Ultrasound or X ray guidance is used to support accurate and safe needle placement.
What to expect during the procedure
Acetabular nerve block and ablation are usually performed as day case procedures. Your consultant will explain the treatment plan and answer any final questions beforehand.
- Review of the diagnosis and treatment plan
- Comfortable positioning for the procedure
- Skin cleaning and local anaesthetic to numb the area
- Image guided needle placement around the target nerves
- Injection treatment or radiofrequency ablation depending on the plan
- Short monitoring period before discharge
The exact approach depends on whether a diagnostic nerve block or a longer lasting ablation treatment is being performed.
After the procedure
After acetabular nerve block and ablation, mild soreness or bruising may occur around the treatment sites and usually settles within a few days.
- Temporary discomfort at the treatment site is common
- Some people notice early improvement after a diagnostic block
- If ablation is performed, relief often develops gradually over several weeks
- Most patients return home the same day
- Normal activities can usually be resumed as comfort allows
Physiotherapy may be recommended to support hip strength, mobility, and longer term improvement.
Benefits
- May reduce hip pain and discomfort
- Can improve walking, standing, and daily movement
- Minimally invasive with short recovery time
- Does not aim to affect hip strength or stability
- Ablation may provide longer lasting relief in selected cases
- May reduce reliance on pain medication
Possible risks and side effects
Acetabular nerve block and ablation are generally safe when performed by experienced clinicians, but all procedures carry some risk.
- Temporary soreness or bruising
- Temporary increase in pain after the procedure
- Bleeding, uncommon
- Infection, which is rare
- Nerve irritation, uncommon
- No meaningful improvement in some cases
Your consultant will explain the likely benefits, possible risks, and alternative treatment options before proceeding.
When to consider other options
If acetabular nerve block and ablation are not appropriate or provide limited benefit, other treatment options may be considered. These may include joint injections including steroid, PRP, and stem cell treatment, rehabilitation, medication review, or other image guided pain procedures depending on the diagnosis.
Safety note
Please inform your consultant about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, diabetes, active infection, pregnancy, or bleeding risks before treatment. A full consultant led assessment is essential to confirm suitability, expected outcomes, and safe planning.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether acetabular nerve block and ablation may be appropriate for your hip pain and mobility goals.
You can also explore our joint pain treatments, view all pain treatments, or learn more about related care within our pain management services.