Ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the superior gluteal nerve for greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation (UG-PNM) on the Superior Gluteal Nerve in Patients With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): A Pilot Study
This test sees if adding ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the superior gluteal nerve to shockwave therapy and exercises speeds pain relief for adults with chronic greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad de Zaragoza Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zaragoza, Zaragoza) |
| Trial ID | NCT06529783 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a pilot interventional study using ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (needle electrical stimulation) targeted to the superior gluteal nerve as an adjunct to standard treatments for GTPS. Adults with chronic lateral hip pain, positive palpation over the greater trochanter, and impaired resisted hip abduction will receive the neuromodulation in addition to radial shockwave therapy and therapeutic exercises. Key exclusions include radiographic hip/knee pathology, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, pacemakers, epilepsy, or prior relevant surgery. The study is single-center at the University of Zaragoza and aims to determine whether the technique yields faster pain relief and improved hip abductor function than conventional therapy alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 with chronic (≥3 months) greater trochanteric pain syndrome, local pain on palpation, pain with weight bearing, and impaired resisted hip abduction who have no radiographic hip/knee pathology or contraindications to neuromodulation are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with structural hip or knee disease, active infections, bleeding/clotting disorders, pregnancy, pacemakers, epilepsy, or prior relevant spine/hip surgery are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded for safety reasons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide faster pain relief and improved hip abductor function, potentially reducing the need for surgical treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Early small studies and case series of percutaneous neuromodulation for tendinopathies report encouraging results, but targeting the superior gluteal nerve for GTPS is relatively novel and not yet widely validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Suffering from Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). * Experiencing local pain upon palpation of the greater trochanter area. * Having pain in the greater trochanter region lasting more than three months, indicating chronicity. * Being over 18 years of age. * Experiencing pain when bearing weight on the affected trochanter. * Having pain that impairs the functionality of resisted hip abduction. Exclusion Criteria: * Radiological evidence of pathology in the hip or knee joints. * Blood coagulation disorders. * Use of oral anticoagulants. * Presence of infections. * History of disc or hip surgery. * Presence of dysplasia, deformities, or sciatica. * History of vascular, neurological, or neoplastic diseases. * Specific contraindications for ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (UG-PNM): belenophobia, pregnancy, pacemakers, epilepsy.
Where this trial is running
Zaragoza, Zaragoza
- University of Zaragoza — Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alberto Carcasona, Physiotherapist
- Email: acarcasona@unizar.es
- Phone: 666387648
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.