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

Background and aim: 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: 57 patients were included in this prospective randomized study. Randomization was performed as conventional RFT applied to the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves with fluoroscopy (Group 1), 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 hours, 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 acute 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 KEYWORDS: Femoral and obturator nerve, chronic hip pain, radiofrequency thermocoagulation, intraartıcular steroid injection, pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block