Hip Injection | Northampton Hip and Knee Clinic

Hip Joint Injections: A Detailed Overview for Diagnosis and Pain Relief

Hip joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat hip pain, especially in conditions like arthritis. These injections can help alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and, in some cases, delay the need for more invasive treatments like surgery. They are performed with the guidance of imaging technologies to ensure the injection is delivered accurately into the hip joint.

What Are Hip Joint Injections?

Hip joint injections involve administering medication directly into the joint space, typically under local anaesthetic. Depending on the type of injection, the purpose may be to:

Diagnose whether the hip joint is the primary source of pain (diagnostic injections).
Relieve hip pain and improve joint function (therapeutic injections).

How Hip Joint Injections Are Performed

Imaging Guidance:

Hip injections are typically performed using x-ray (fluoroscopy) or ultrasound guidance to ensure precise needle placement in the joint space. The hip joint is deep within the body, so imaging is essential to avoid surrounding tissues and ensure that the medication is delivered directly into the joint.
Fluoroscopy uses a continuous x-ray beam to provide real-time imaging, while ultrasound offers a radiation-free alternative, using sound waves to create detailed images of the hip.

Local Anaesthetic:

A local anaesthetic is sometimes applied to numb the injection site, minimising discomfort during the procedure but is often not necessary due to the small diameter of the needle. The injection is often quick, and the entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes.

The Injection Procedure Step-by-Step

Preparation: The patient lies down, and the injection site is sterilised to minimise the risk of infection. A local anaesthetic may be applied to numb the area.

Injection: Once the needle is correctly positioned, the medication (either anaesthetic, steroid, hyaluronic acid, or PRP) is slowly injected into the joint space.

Imaging: The doctor uses x-ray or ultrasound imaging to visualise the joint and ensure precise needle placement.

Post-Procedure: After the injection, the patient is monitored for a short time to ensure there are no immediate reactions. Most patients can go home within an hour.

What to Expect After a Hip Injection

Immediate Relief: Patients receiving a diagnostic injection may experience immediate pain relief due to the local anaesthetic. However, this relief is usually temporary and wears off within hours.

Activity Restrictions: it is usually recommended to avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours following the injection to allow the medication to take full effect. Light activities such as walking are typically allowed.

Therapeutic Relief: For therapeutic injections, it may take several days to feel the full effect. Relief can last for weeks or months, depending on the medication used and the individual’s condition.

Potential Risks and Complications

While hip injections are generally safe, there are a few potential risks:

Infection: Proper sterile techniques minimise this risk, but any injection into a joint carries a small chance of infection.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may have allergic reactions to the injected substances, especially to hyaluronic acid or steroids.
Bleeding: In rare cases, patients with certain medical conditions or who are on blood-thinning medications may experience bleeding at the injection site.
Temporary Pain or Swelling: Some patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or increased pain at the injection site shortly after the procedure. This typically resolves within a few days.

Benefits of Hip Joint Injections

Pain Relief: One of the primary benefits is the significant reduction in pain, allowing patients to return to normal activities and improve their quality of life.
Improved Mobility: Therapeutic injections can restore joint function, making it easier to perform daily activities like walking, sitting, and standing.
Delaying Surgery: For some patients, injections can delay or even prevent the need for hip replacement surgery, especially in cases of mild to moderate arthritis.

Long-Term Care and Follow-Up

Repeat Injections: Depending on the patient’s response, repeat injections may be recommended. For example, steroid injections may be administered once every six months to maintain pain relief.
Complementary Treatments: Injections are often used alongside other treatments such as physical therapy, weight management, and oral medications to support joint health and reduce strain on the hip.

When to Consider Hip Joint Injections

Hip injections are often recommended when:

Conservative treatments like oral pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, or physical therapy have not provided sufficient relief.
The patient is not yet ready for surgery but is experiencing significant pain or limited mobility due to arthritis or other hip conditions.

For those suffering from hip pain, joint injections can offer an effective, minimally invasive solution to improve quality of life. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate type of injection and treatment plan for your individual needs.

Why Choose Us

At Northampton Hip and Knee Clinic, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care for hip and knee conditions. Here's why you should choose us.

Experience

Mr Pierre Nasr has extensive experience in hip and knee treatments, performing hundreds of hip and knee procedures annually.

Expertise

As a specialist in hip and knee surgeries, Mr Nasr brings a depth of knowledge to every case.

Personalised Care

We tailor our approach to each patient's unique needs and circumstances.

Proven Outcomes

Our clinic consistently achieves excellent results, with high patient satisfaction rates.

Ways to get in touch

Mr Pierre Nasr, MBBS BSc Dip IMC RCS (Ed) FRCS (Tr&Orth), is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon with extensive experience in hip and knee replacements and fracture management. His expertise ensures you receive the highest standard of care at Northampton Hip and Knee Clinic.

Remote Consultations for Hip and Knee Pain and Lower Limb Trauma

Experiencing hip or knee pain or a recent lower limb injury? You no longer need to wait for in-person appointments to receive expert advice and care. At Northampton Hip and Knee Clinic, we offer remote consultations that allow you to discuss your condition with our specialist team from the comfort of your own home.

For more information about fracture treatment or to schedule a consultation with Mr Nasr, please contact us:

What a good choice. Both hips have now been replaced by Mr. Nasr. I very much liked his consulting style which gave me confidence that I’d made the right choice. Just one night in hospital on each occasion, thanks go to the whole team who have aided my swift recovery.

– S. P.

came in for a half knee surgery Pierre Nasr was very informative and surgery went well all the staff were fantastic and after care was also excellent thank you to you and all staff

– T. F.

The experience of my hip replacement has been extremely positive. I have felt 100% listened to and understood, everything has been well explained and I have been reassured at every stage. The care I have received has been exemplary and I couldn’t recommend Mr Nasr more highly.

– R. H.

Mr Nasr and staff were first class treating me with dignity and care. Knee replacement going well as only 2 weeks on, Nurse reviewed yesterday and also praised him saying he always does a great job you can always tell whether he closed up as he is so neat.

– L. O.

All staff very professional. I felt in safe hands. I was listened to when I brought up any concerns.
Very pleased with the results. Wouldn’t hesitate to return if necessary.

– E. H.

Mr Nasr is a brilliant surgeon, an extremely kind, caring and understanding man, and is willing to discuss and answer questions relevant to your operation. I was delighted with the excision of my Morel-Lavallee seroma. After 6 weeks the scar barely showed. His team are also second to none and can’t do enough to help you.

– P. G.

Address: Circle Three Shires Hospital, The Avenue, Northampton NN1 5DR

Hip Injection Treatment