Radiofrequency Ablation of the Trochanteric Branches of the Femoral Nerve for the Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10–15% of the population over the age of 60 suffers from hip pain. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is one of the most common diagnoses in patients with chronic hip pain, includes a number of disorders, and has a broad differential diagnosis. Conservative managements of GTPS, including pharmacologic interventions, physical therapy, chiropractic intervention, acupuncture, and more invasive techniques, such as intra-articular injections, commonly fail to provide patients with sufficient, long-term relief. While radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used to treat intra-articular hip pain in the past, there is little evidence for the feasibility of RFA for managing patients with GTPS. This case series builds on previous evidence that cooled radiofrequency ablation (CRF) of the trochanteric branch of the femoral nerve may offer patients with GTPS effective, safe, and lasting pain improvement. CASES: A series of eight patients with GTPS underwent CRF of the nervus females to the trochanter. CRF procedures were either targeted at the left, right, or bilateral nerves. CONCLUSION: This case series provides additional evidence for the safety and effectiveness of CRF of the nervus femoralis to the trochanter for offering long-term pain relief in patients with GTPS. All patients experienced at least two months of relief, with most patients experiencing ongoing relief from the procedure.