Groin and thigh
pain are frequently the major symptoms of hip joint pathology. The hip joint is innervated by articular branches of the obturator, femoral, superior gluteal, and sciatic nerves. The nerve responsible for hip joint
pain can be determined by a diagnostic
nerve block.
Radiofrequency ablation of the identified articular branches of the hip was demonstrated to provide relief of hip
pain. However, continuous radiofrequency
denervation by thermal coagulation carries the potential risk of
neuritis. We report on two patients with groin and thigh
pain related to hip joint pathology treated with a novel technique for hip
pain relief,
pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) of articular branches of the obturator and femoral nerves. At the time this case was written, both patients demonstrated at least 50%
pain relief 3 to 4 months after the intervention along with improved function (increased ambulation and ability to participate in
physical therapy). Our clinical observation suggests that PRF of articular branches of the hip joint may be an alternative treatment for patients with intractable hip
pain.