Conventional radiofrequency ablation of the articular sensory branches of the obturator and femoral nerves under fluoroscopic guidance for chronic hip joint pain in a case of ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

Chronic hip pain is often a debilitating problem, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and few patients with the problem are not good surgical candidates. Hence, other conservative approaches should be used. We report the case of a 37-year-old male, a known case of AS, who presented with severe hip pain along with other joint involvements. The hip joint pain was managed with radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the articular sensory branches of the hip joint after initially tested with positive diagnostic block. This case emphasizes the role of RF ablation as a safe alternative to hip replacement.

Keywords

• ankylosing spondylitis
• femoral nerve
• hip joint
• obturator nerve
• pain
• radiofrequency ablation