Overview
Hip pain can arise from arthritis, injury, overuse, or degenerative joint changes. When symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, medication, or joint injections, the sensory nerves supplying the hip may contribute to ongoing pain and restricted movement. This discomfort often affects walking, standing, sitting, and daily activities.
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 patients who are not suitable for surgery or who wish to delay more invasive interventions.
Who This Treatment Helps
Acetabular nerve block or 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 or not responding to surgical options
• Degenerative or post injury hip pain
A consultant assessment is required to confirm suitability.
What Is an Acetabular Nerve Block or 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 pain.
If the block provides temporary but meaningful relief, radiofrequency ablation may be offered. Ablation uses controlled heat to interrupt pain signals carried by the acetabular nerve branches. These nerves are sensory only, so the procedure does not affect hip movement or strength.
Ultrasound or X ray guidance is used to ensure accurate and safe needle placement.
Procedure and Recovery
The procedure is performed as a day case. You will be positioned comfortably while the skin over the hip region is cleaned and numbed. Using imaging guidance, the nerve block or ablation is carried out with precision.
After the procedure, mild soreness or bruising may occur around the injection sites and usually settles within a few days. If ablation is performed, pain relief often develops gradually over several weeks. Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities as comfort allows.
Physiotherapy may be recommended to support hip strength, mobility, and long term improvement.
Benefits
• May reduce hip pain and discomfort
• Can improve walking, standing, and daily movement
• Minimally invasive with short recovery time
• Does not affect hip strength or stability
• Ablation may offer longer lasting relief in selected cases
• May reduce reliance on pain medication
Safety Note
A full consultant led assessment is essential before treatment. Please inform your clinician about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, or bleeding risks. Your consultant will explain suitability, expected outcomes, and potential risks before proceeding.