Trigger-point steroid injections versus hip joint steroid injections for hip osteoarthritis

Clinical Study of Myofascial Trigger Points(MTrPs) Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain(CMP), Chronic Migraine and Cervicogenic Headache

This test compares steroid injections into myofascial trigger points versus injections into the hip joint to see which reduces pain and improves function in people aged 45 and older with hip osteoarthritis.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 1036 (estimated)
• Ages: 45 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Beijing Tiantan Hospital (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
• Trial ID: NCT07347041 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study with blinded outcome assessment using a non-inferiority design to compare glucocorticoid injections at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) versus intra-articular hip injections. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either MTrP injections or joint-cavity injections and are followed for two years. Key outcome measures include pain intensity (NRS), joint function and stiffness (WOMAC), patient-reported outcomes, and safety events. The trial tests whether the simpler MTrP injection approach can provide comparable long-term symptom relief to standard intra-articular treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 45 or older with radiographic hip osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1–4), chronic hip pain for more than 3 months, at least one palpable myofascial trigger point, NRS ≥3 despite conservative treatment, and able to give informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with corticosteroid allergy, active inflammatory rheumatic disease, recent intra-articular injection, severe organ dysfunction, long-term systemic steroid therapy, or other major exclusion criteria are unlikely to derive benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a simpler, potentially safer injection option that provides similar or better long-term pain relief and improved function compared with standard intra-articular steroid injections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous domestic and international studies have reported that glucocorticoid injections at MTrPs can relieve pain in knee osteoarthritis and other chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, but randomized long-term data specifically for hip osteoarthritis remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-4) confirmed by at least two orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, or general practitioners, with physical examination confirming at least one myofascial trigger point;
* Disease duration exceeding 3 months;
* Age ≥ 45 years;
* Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 3 points despite prior conservative pharmacological treatment;
* Signed informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of allergy to trial medications such as corticosteroids;
* Alcohol abuse; long-term use of opioids (exceeding 2 weeks or more than 3 days per week for over 1 month); suspected use of sedative or analgesic medications; patients on long-term steroid therapy;
* Severe neurological disorders, significant hepatic or renal dysfunction, heart failure, coagulation abnormalities, gastric ulcer, diabetes, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, etc.;
* Intra-articular injection within the past 6 months or planned joint replacement surgery;
* Inability to use pain assessment scales;
* Presence of local or systemic infection;
* Pregnant or lactating patients.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

• Beijing Tiantan Hospital — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fang Luo

Conditions: Myofascial Trigger Points, Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Hip Osteoarthritis