Hip Injections

What are hip injections?

Hip injections are minimally invasive procedures used to reduce pain and inflammation in patients with hip arthritis or bursitis who are not yet ready for, or suitable for, hip replacement surgery. They can also be useful in patients with painful hip replacements awaiting further investigation.

How are they performed?

• X-ray (fluoroscopy) guidance for intra-articular hip injections, with contrast confirming correct position before injection.
• Ultrasound guidance for soft tissue injections such as trochanteric bursitis or iliopsoas tendinopathy, allowing real-time visualisation of nerves and vessels.

What is injected?

Steroid (corticosteroid) and local anaesthetic — the most commonly used combination. The steroid reduces inflammation within the joint, providing pain relief that can last weeks to several months. The local anaesthetic provides immediate short-term relief and also serves as a diagnostic tool — significant improvement after the injection confirms the hip as the source of pain.

Who is this for?

• Patients with hip osteoarthritis causing pain and reduced function
• Patients with trochanteric bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy
• Patients awaiting hip replacement surgery who need symptomatic relief
• Patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery

My approach

• All injections performed under image guidance (X-ray or ultrasound)
• Steroid and local anaesthetic as standard for intra-articular injections
• Ultrasound guidance for soft tissue pathology
• Available in dedicated procedure rooms at: Meriden Nuffield Health Hospital and University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire

Risks

• Temporary post-injection flare (increased pain for 24–48 hours)
• Infection — sterile technique strictly observed
• Steroid side effects with repeated injections: raised blood sugar (relevant in diabetic patients), skin thinning
• Temporary reduction in effect over time with repeated injections