Home / Procedures / Hip & Shoulder Embolization
Procedure · Hip · Shoulder

Hip & Shoulder Embolization

The same image-guided embolization technique used for the knee, applied to chronic hip osteoarthritis and shoulder conditions like adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder"). A minimally invasive option for patients who haven't responded to conservative care but aren't ready for joint replacement.

Procedure type: Image-guided, minimally invasive
Time at office: ~2 hours
Recovery: 2–3 days
Performed by: Board-certified IR
~2 hrs
Total time at our office, including prep and recovery
No
General anesthesia required — sedation only
2–3 days
Most patients return to normal daily activity within
~70%
Of patients in published series report meaningful pain relief at 6 months
What it is

The same approach that works on the knee, scaled to other joints.

Anatomical diagram of the hip joint showing target vessels for embolization Medical illustration for Valley Joint Pain Center patient education. target vessels hip joint

Fig. 01Embolization works the same way in the hip and shoulder as it does in the knee — fine catheters guided to the abnormal vessels feeding inflammation, particles delivered to close them off.

In any joint affected by chronic osteoarthritis or capsulitis, the same biological story plays out: the lining becomes chronically inflamed, the body grows abnormal blood vessels (neovessels) to sustain that inflammation, and the resulting nerve fiber growth produces persistent pain.

Hip embolization and shoulder embolization use the same image-guided technique pioneered for the knee. Through a fine catheter introduced through the wrist or upper thigh, microscopic particles are delivered into the abnormal vessels feeding inflammation — closing them off and quieting the pain at its source. The cartilage isn't restored, but the chronic inflammation that drives daily pain has its supply line cut.

Shoulder embolization is particularly well-studied for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and rotator cuff-related pain. Hip embolization is most often used for moderate hip osteoarthritis in patients who aren't yet candidates for, or aren't ready for, hip replacement.

Candidacy

Who hip and shoulder embolization is right for.

These procedures aren't for every joint pain. They work best for chronic, inflammation-driven pain that hasn't responded to conservative treatment. Here's the honest breakdown of who tends to do well and who doesn't.

Often a good fit

  • Chronic hip pain from osteoarthritis confirmed on imaging
  • Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) that hasn't resolved with PT and injections
  • Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain not requiring surgical repair
  • Moderate (not end-stage) joint disease — Kellgren-Lawrence 2–3
  • You're not yet ready for, or eligible for, joint replacement
  • You've tried conservative care for 6+ months without lasting benefit

Probably not the right procedure

  • End-stage joint disease where surgery is clearly indicated
  • Pain that's primarily mechanical (catching, locking, instability)
  • Active joint infection or recent injury requiring orthopedic evaluation
  • Severe peripheral artery disease that complicates catheter access
  • Shoulder pain caused by a complete rotator cuff tear requiring repair
  • Pain referred from the cervical or lumbar spine rather than the joint itself
For knee pain specifically

The most studied version of this procedure is for the knee.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is the longest-running and best-studied embolization procedure for joint pain. If your primary problem is the knee, our deep-dive page covers candidacy, the procedure step-by-step, and the published evidence in detail.

Read about GAE for knee pain →

The hip and shoulder use the same technique as the knee, but each joint has its own anatomy and its own evidence base. The conversation we have at consultation is whether your specific situation matches the patient profiles we know respond well — not whether the procedure exists in general.

Dr. Sabeen Dhand · Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist
Frequently asked

What patients usually want to know.

Coverage is more variable than for GAE because the evidence base is younger. Some plans cover these procedures with prior authorization; others don't. We verify your specific benefits before scheduling and walk through any out-of-pocket costs in writing — no surprises.
Cortisone provides temporary anti-inflammatory effect that often lasts weeks to months. Shoulder embolization addresses the underlying neovascular inflammation that drives the chronic pain — typically providing relief that lasts much longer. Patients whose injections used to last but no longer do are often good embolization candidates.
Embolization can help with rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial tears that cause inflammation but don't require surgical repair. For complete rotator cuff tears, surgery is usually still the right answer. We review your imaging together to determine which category you fall into.
Both hip and shoulder embolization take approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours from arrival to discharge, similar to GAE. The actual catheter time during the procedure is usually 30–45 minutes.
Yes. Like GAE and RFA, hip and shoulder embolization use local anesthesia at the catheter entry site combined with light IV sedation — similar to what you'd receive for a colonoscopy. You'll be relaxed and comfortable, but awake.
Most patients return to normal activity within 2–3 days. There's no incision, no stitches, and no major movement restrictions. We schedule follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months to track your response.

Wondering if this procedure could help your hip or shoulder?

Our two-minute assessment helps you understand whether you're likely to be a candidate. If you are, we'll invite you in to discuss the specifics with Dr. Dhand.

Take the 2-minute assessment

No commitment · No insurance required to assess