Comparison Between Transarterial Musculoskeletal Embolization and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for the Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
The HIPE RCT - Comparison Between Transarterial Musculoskeletal Embolization (TAME) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection for the Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave, EPE
30 participants
Jan 5, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life. Standard treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and local injections, but many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare two minimally invasive treatment options for GTPS: transarterial musculoskeletal embolization (TAME) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either TAME or PRP. The main goal of the study is to evaluate which treatment is more effective in reducing pain. Secondary goals include comparing functional improvement, quality of life, and safety between the two treatments. Pain and functional outcomes will be assessed at baseline and during follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. This study seeks to provide evidence on the effectiveness and safety of TAME compared with PRP injection for patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Diagnosis of GTPS confirmed by clinical and imaging assessments
- Persistent symptoms despite at least 3 months of conservative treatment (e.g., physical therapy, NSAIDs)
- Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
- Availability for follow-up assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment
Exclusion Criteria7
- Prior hip surgery or other interventions (e.g., joint replacement, prior PRP injections or embolization)
- Severe osteoarthritis (Tonnis III)
- Active lumbar radiculopathy with pain, numbness, or weakness in a dermatomal distribution
- Contraindications for PRP injections (e.g., active infection, coagulopathy, antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy,
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe comorbidities that would interfere with participation
- Active cancer or other malignancies
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Interventions
Transarterial musculoskeletal embolization (TAME) is performed under local anesthesia by an experienced interventional radiologist. The procedure consists of selective catheterization and embolization of pathological peri-trochanteric vessels supplying the affected hip structures. A temporary, reabsorbable embolic microsphere (Nexsphere-F®, CE approved) is used to achieve transient vessel occlusion, with the objective of reducing pathological neovascularization and inflammation associated with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection consists of a single ultrasound-guided intratendinous administration of autologous PRP into the affected gluteal tendon. PRP is prepared from the participant's own blood using a standardized centrifugation protocol and injected under sterile conditions by an orthopedic hip specialist. The intervention aims to promote tendon healing and reduce pain and functional impairment associated with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.
Locations(1)
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NCT07396246