Quick answer: Yes. Hip Artery Embolization (HAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces inflammation in the hip by gently limiting abnormal blood flow to the joint. It relieves chronic hip pain without major surgery, and most patients go home the same day.
How HAE works
Using live imaging, a physician guides a thin catheter through a tiny incision, usually in the groin, to the small vessels feeding the hip. Tiny medical-grade particles then reduce abnormal blood flow, easing inflammation and pressure inside the joint.
Who may benefit
- Hip osteoarthritis, where cartilage breakdown causes stiffness and swelling
- Avascular necrosis, where reduced blood flow damages bone tissue
- Patients who haven’t found lasting relief from physical therapy, medication, or steroid injections
- Those who want to delay or avoid hip replacement surgery
Recovery and results
Because it’s done through a small entry point, there’s less tissue disruption and downtime. Most patients go home the same day, resume light activity within a few days, and notice improvement in pain and mobility within the first week.
Frequently asked questions
Is HAE a replacement for hip surgery?
It’s an effective bridge that can delay or help avoid replacement for many patients.
How long is recovery after HAE?
Most people go home the same day and resume light activity within a few days.
Who is a candidate for HAE?
Patients with chronic hip pain from arthritis or avascular necrosis who want to avoid or postpone surgery.
If chronic hip pain hasn’t responded to conservative care, HAE may offer relief without a major operation. Schedule a consultation with Midwest Pain Clinics: call (402) 391-7246 or book online here.