Comparison Between Transarterial Musculoskeletal Embolization and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for the Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Summary

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of lateral hip pain that can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life. Standard treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and local injections, but many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare two minimally invasive treatment options for GTPS: transarterial musculoskeletal embolization (TAME) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either TAME or PRP.

The main goal of the study is to evaluate which treatment is more effective in reducing pain. Secondary goals include comparing functional improvement, quality of life, and safety between the two treatments. Pain and functional outcomes will be assessed at baseline and during follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.

This study seeks to provide evidence on the effectiveness and safety of TAME compared with PRP injection for patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.

Conditions

• Trochanteric Syndrome

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Transarterial Musculoskeletal Embolization

Transarterial musculoskeletal embolization (TAME) is performed under local anesthesia by an experienced interventional radiologist. The procedure consists of selective catheterization and embolization of pathological peri-trochanteric vessels supplying the affected hip structures. A temporary, reabsorbable embolic microsphere (Nexsphere-F®, CE approved) is used to achieve transient vessel occlusion, with the objective of reducing pathological neovascularization and inflammation associated with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.

BIOLOGICAL

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection consists of a single ultrasound-guided intratendinous administration of autologous PRP into the affected gluteal tendon. PRP is prepared from the participant's own blood using a standardized centrifugation protocol and injected under sterile conditions by an orthopedic hip specialist. The intervention aims to promote tendon healing and reduce pain and functional impairment associated with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Serviço de Ortopedia da ULS Alto Ave

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Serviço de Imagiologia da ULS Alto Ave

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave, EPE

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Pedro M M Lopes, MD · Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-05

Primary Completion

2027-12-31

Completion

2027-12-31

Countries

• Portugal

Study Locations