Comparison of conventional radiofrequency thermocoagulation to femoral and obturatory nerve articular branches with intra-articular steroid injection and PENG block in chronic hip pain

Abstract

Introduction

Radiofrequency thermocoagulation(RFT), intra-articular steroid-injection(IAI) and PENG block application to the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves are the methods used in the treatment of pain in patients with chronic hip pain. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of these methods.

Methods

Randomization was performed as conventional RFT applied to the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves with fluoroscopy(Group1), IAI of corticosteroids with ultrasonography(Group2) and PENG block with ultrasonography Group3).Pain intensity was evaluated with the (NRS) or Verbal Pain Scale(VPS) before the procedure and 2 h, 1 and 3 months after the procedure, and functional capacity was evaluated with the (WOMAC) scale before the procedure, 1 and 3 months after the procedure.

Results

In Group1, NRS/VPS and WOMAC scores were significantly higher before the procedure. NRS/VPS before the procedure and at the 3rd month were significantly higher in Group2 and Group3.In Group3, 1st month scores were significantly higher than 2nd hour scores. In Group2, pre-procedure WOMAC scores were significantly higher than 1st and 3rd Months, and 3rd Month scores were significantly higher than 1st Month.The 1st month WOMAC scores of Group 3 were significantly higher than the other groups and the 3rd month scores of Group 1 were significantly lower than the other groups.

Conclusion

In our study, PENG Block, RFT and IAI applications were effective on short-time pain in patients with chronic hip pain.IAI and RFT were effective on chronic pain until the 1st month, and only RFT was effective at the 3rd month follow-up.