Trochanteric Bursitis Embolization for Outer Hip Pain
Trochanteric bursitis embolization treats greater trochanteric pain syndrome — outer hip pain and pain lying on one side — when hip bursitis injections have failed. 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
Trochanteric bursitis embolization for lateral hip pain
Through a catheter, tiny particles reduce abnormal blood flow feeding inflamed tissue around the greater trochanter. It is one option among hip treatments at Full Motion Joint and Spine — not a new hip, and not a promised result.
Not a hip replacement
Not arthroplasty. Groin arthritis may need hip embolization. Nerve signaling may need hip nerve ablation.
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 outer hip
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome and pain lying on one side
Outer hip pain (lateral hip pain) that hurts when you lie on that side is the usual bursitis consult. This is hip bursitis treatment of inflamed tissue around the bursa — not every “trochanteric” line on an MRI.
The catheter
Peritrochanteric embolization through a small access
A catheter guides particles to the small vessels feeding the inflamed peritrochanteric tissue. Most visits use light sedation. The plan is set at consult.
Candidacy
A consult if hip bursitis injections failed
People ask about this after rest, therapy, and injections have not lasted. Dr. John Smirniotopoulos decides candidacy in person — not from this page.
Often discussed at consult
- Outer hip pain or pain lying on one side that has lasted
- Hip bursitis injections that helped only briefly or no longer help
- Interest in a catheter option instead of an operation
Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Not every lateral hip MRI
Groin arthritis, lumbar referred pain, or infection 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 bursitis embolization visit, start to finish
Before you arrive
History, exam, and films. Simple prep. See Locations.
The day of treatment
Outpatient catheter treatment. Arrange a ride home.
Going home
Typically same-day discharge when the visit goes as planned.
Follow-up
A short recovery is typical. Timelines vary. No rate is quoted here.
Afterward
Recovery after trochanteric bursitis embolization
This is not hip-replacement recovery. If it is not the match, options include conservative care, hip joint embolization, or evaluation with your existing team.
Care led by
Dr. John Smirniotopoulos
Trochanteric bursitis embolization 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
Outer hip questions we hear at consult
What is trochanteric bursitis embolization?
Catheter treatment that reduces extra blood flow around an inflamed outer hip bursa. Results vary.
Can it help greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
That outer-hip, lie-on-one-side pattern is the usual consult. Candidacy is confirmed in person.
Is it for failed bursitis injections?
People often ask after injections fade. That does not guarantee this will help.
Is it outpatient?
Yes. It is typically outpatient with same-day discharge when the visit proceeds as planned.