Hip Nerve Ablation for Chronic Hip Arthritis Pain
Hip nerve ablation is radiofrequency treatment of the small articular nerves that carry pain from the hip. If you are not a candidate for hip replacement — or do not want one — request a consultation with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos to review whether this option is a fit.
Typically outpatient, with light sedation rather than general anesthesia
The procedure
Hip radiofrequency ablation for hip arthritis pain
Guided by imaging, radiofrequency energy is applied to the articular nerves of the hip so they stop relaying the pain signal. It is one option among hip treatments at Full Motion Joint and Spine — hip pain without surgery for selected people, not a promised result.
Not a new hip
Not arthroplasty. Inflamed lining may need hip embolization. Outer-hip bursitis may need bursitis embolization.
MedStar procedures
Done in the MedStar hospital setting. Visit flow is on the Locations page.
Request a consult
Request a consultation so candidacy is decided in person — not from this page.
The nerves
Chronic hip pain when you cannot have — or do not want — replacement
Hip arthritis pain in the groin that limits walking or sleep is the usual nerve-ablation consult. A hip nerve block is sometimes used first. This quiets signaling — it does not grow cartilage.
The ablation
Articular nerve radiofrequency around the hip
Needles are placed with imaging. Radiofrequency energy is applied to the small articular nerves. Most visits use light sedation. If vessels are the story, hip embolization may fit better.
Candidacy
A consult if you are not a candidate for hip replacement
People ask about hip nerve ablation when they cannot have arthroplasty, do not want it, or still hurt after injections. Dr. John Smirniotopoulos decides candidacy in person — not from this page.
Often discussed at consult
- Chronic hip arthritis pain that limits walking or sleep
- Not a candidate for replacement, or not ready for one
- Interest in a nerve-based outpatient option
Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Not every hip film
Infection, a loose implant, or pain from the spine can point elsewhere.
A hot swollen hip with fever, or inability to bear weight after injury, needs urgent care — not this page.
The visit
Your hip nerve ablation visit, start to finish
Before you arrive
History, exam, and films. A block may be planned first. See Locations.
The day of treatment
Outpatient image-guided radiofrequency. Arrange a ride home.
Going home
Typically same-day discharge when the visit goes as planned.
Follow-up
Relief can last many months. Nerves may recover. No duration is promised here.
Afterward
Recovery after hip nerve ablation
Needle-site soreness can occur. This is not hip-replacement recovery. If it is not the match, options include conservative care, hip embolization, or surgical evaluation with your existing team.
Care led by
Dr. John Smirniotopoulos
Hip nerve ablation is performed by a dual board-certified interventional and diagnostic radiologist, Associate Professor of Radiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, fellowship-trained in vascular and interventional radiology (2020). Credentials are on the About page.
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Dual board-certified Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
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American Board of Radiology
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Associate Professor of Radiology MedStar Georgetown
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Society of Interventional Radiology SIR
Before you book
Hip nerve questions we hear at consult
What is hip nerve ablation?
Image-guided radiofrequency of the articular nerves that carry hip joint pain. Results vary.
Is it hip pain without surgery?
For selected people, yes — it is discussed as a non-arthroplasty option. Candidacy is confirmed in person.
Is a hip nerve block used first?
Sometimes. That plan is set at consult — not from this page.
Is it outpatient?
Yes. It is typically outpatient with same-day discharge when the visit proceeds as planned.