A hip joint injection is a procedure to inject medication — typically corticosteroid and local anaesthetic — into the hip joint under image guidance. It is used both diagnostically (to confirm the hip as the pain source) and therapeutically (to relieve pain).
The injection is performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance. The skin is cleaned with antiseptic. Local anaesthetic numbs the injection site. A needle is inserted into the hip joint under image guidance, and a mixture of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic is injected. The procedure takes 10–15 minutes.
Diagnostic: to confirm the hip joint as the source of groin pain, particularly when differentiating hip from spine or soft tissue pathology. Therapeutic: to provide temporary relief of hip arthritis pain, delay the need for surgery, or facilitate physiotherapy.
Oral medication, topical treatments, physiotherapy, weight management, walking aids, and activity modification.
No fasting required. Inform the team about blood-thinning medications. Performed as an outpatient procedure.
Diagnostic: if the injection provides temporary relief, it confirms the hip as the pain source. Therapeutic: pain relief typically lasts weeks to months. Duration varies — some patients get lasting relief, others benefit for only a short period.
Soreness for a day or two.
Temporary increase in pain for 24–48 hours before the steroid takes effect.
In diabetic patients. Usually returns to normal within a few days.
Joint infection. Risk approximately 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 with sterile technique.
Repeated steroid injections may weaken surrounding tendons.
There is some evidence that repeated intra-articular steroid injections may accelerate cartilage damage.
Localised lightening of skin at the injection site.
Loss of subcutaneous fat at the injection site.
Local anaesthetic only. No sedation or general anaesthesia required.
Rest for 24–48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity for a few days. If the injection provides relief, physiotherapy can begin or be intensified. The effect of the steroid typically takes two to seven days to develop fully.
Record the response — particularly the diagnostic value. If relief is significant, repeat injections may be considered (usually no more than two to three per year). If relief is temporary, further treatment planning (e.g., hip replacement) can proceed.
Most clinicians recommend no more than two to three hip injections per year. There is concern that frequent steroid injections may accelerate cartilage damage.
Variable — from weeks to many months. Some patients get lasting relief, others only temporary improvement. The diagnostic information (confirming the hip as the pain source) is valuable regardless.