Radiofrequency vs. steroid injection and PENG block for chronic hip pain.

Chronic hip pain presents a significant challenge in pain management. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of three interventions: radiofrequency thermocoagulation(RFT), intra-articular steroid injection(IAI), and PENG block, in alleviating pain and improving functional capacity among chronic hip pain patients.

A prospective randomized controlled study involved 57 patients. After ethical approval and patient consent, they were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: conventional RFT (Group1), IAI (Group2), and PENG block(Group3). Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pre-procedure and at 2 hours, 1 month, and 3 months post-procedure. Functional capacity was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scale at baseline, and at 1 and 3 months post-procedure.

At 2 hours post-procedure, all groups exhibited a significant reduction in NRS scores compared to baseline, with no significant inter-group differences. By 1 month, NRS and WOMAC scores in Groups1 and 2 were significantly lower than baseline, while Group3 showed comparable NRS scores but higher WOMAC scores. At 3 months, Group1 demonstrated significantly lower NRS and WOMAC scores compared to baseline and other groups. Group2 maintained reduced NRS and WOMAC scores, while Group3 showed no significant improvement. Complications related to the procedures were not observed.

Our findings suggest that PENG block, RFT, and IAI effectively managed acute pain in chronic hip pain patients. While IAI and RFT were effective in managing chronic pain up to the first month, only RFT remained effective at the 3-month follow-up. PENG block did not demonstrate effectiveness in chronic follow-ups.