Transarterial musculoskeletal embolization versus platelet-rich plasma for greater trochanteric pain

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

This trial will test whether transarterial musculoskeletal embolization or a single platelet-rich plasma injection better reduces pain for adults with persistent greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Quick facts

• Phase: PHASE2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave, EPE (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Guimarães)
• Trial ID: NCT07396246 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial will enroll adults with clinically and radiologically confirmed greater trochanteric pain syndrome who have failed at least three months of conservative therapy. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either transarterial musculoskeletal embolization (TAME) using a temporary reabsorbable agent (Nexsphere-F®) performed by interventional radiology or a single ultrasound-guided autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection into the affected gluteal tendon. A blinded nurse will perform follow-up assessments of pain, function, quality of life, and safety at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary endpoint is pain reduction on the Visual Analog Scale, with secondary endpoints including functional improvement and adverse events.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with clinically and imaging-confirmed GTPS who have ongoing symptoms after at least three months of conservative therapy and can attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with severe hip osteoarthritis (Tonnis III), active lumbar radiculopathy, prior hip surgery or prior PRP/embolization, coagulation contraindications, active malignancy, or pregnancy/breastfeeding are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the better-performing treatment could reduce hip pain and improve function and quality of life for people with persistent GTPS.

How similar studies have performed: Small case series and early reports suggest transarterial embolization may reduce tendinopathy-related pain while PRP results for GTPS have been mixed, so randomized direct comparisons remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* 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 Criteria:

* 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

Where this trial is running

Guimarães

• Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave — Guimarães, Portugal (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Pedro M M Lopes, MD — Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave
• Study coordinator: Pedro M M Lopes, MD

Conditions: Trochanteric Syndrome, Embolization, Musculoskeletal, Hip, Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome, Pain management, PRP