What is Femoral and Obturator Nerve Joint Branches Radiofrequency?
The femoral nerve is a large nerve located near the groin, controlling leg muscles involved in straightening and hip movement, and providing sensation in the lower leg and front of the thigh. The obturator nerve originates from the lumbar plexus, supplying sensory and motor innervation to the thigh.
During the procedure, X-ray guidance is used to position ablation needles near the small nerves that supply sensation to the hip joint. Radiofrequency waves are then used to heat the surrounding tissue and ablate, or “burn,” the nerves transmitting pain from arthritic hip joints.
Am I a candidate for Femoral and Obturator Nerve Joint Branches Radiofrequency?
If you have hip joint pain and/or have been diagnosed with joint osteoarthritis, your provider may recommend this treatment. Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a common cause of pain and disability, and patients who do not respond to conservative management may be unable to undergo joint replacement due to multiple comorbidities. Alternatively, some patients prefer to delay surgery as long as possible. Radiofrequency denervation of articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves, which supply innervation of the joint, is a novel technique that can reduce hip joint pain.