A hip injection is a shot of medicine into the hip joint. The medicine helps relieve pain and inflammation. It can also help diagnose the source of hip pain.
Alternative Names
Cortisone shot - hip; Hip injection; Intra-articular steroid injections - hip
Description
For this procedure, a health care provider inserts a needle in the hip and injects medicine into the joint. The provider uses a real-time x-ray (fluoroscopy) to see where to place the needle in the joint.
You may be given medicine to help you relax.
For the procedure:
- You will lie on the x-ray table, and your hip area will be cleaned.
- A numbing medicine will be applied to the injection site.
- A small needle will be guided into the joint area while the provider watches the placement on the screen.
- Once the needle is in the right spot, a small amount of contrast dye is injected so the provider can see where to place the medicine.
- The steroid medicine is slowly injected into the joint.
After the injection, you will remain on the table for another 5 to 10 minutes or so. Your provider will then ask you to move the hip to see if it is still painful. It may be a few days before you notice any pain relief.
