RecruitingPhase 2

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

Portugal30 participantsStarted 2026-01-05

Plain-language 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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of GTPS confirmed by clinical and imaging assessments * Persistent symptoms despite at least 3 months of conservative treatment (e.g., physical therapy, NSAIDs) * Willingness to participate and provide informed consent * Availability for follow-up assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Prior hip surgery or other interventions (e.g., joint replacement, prior PRP injections or embolization) * Severe osteoarthritis (Tonnis III) * Active lumbar radiculopathy with pain, numbness, or weakness in a dermatomal distribution * Contraindications for PRP injections (e.g., active infection, coagulopathy, antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Severe comorbidities that would interfere with participation * Active cancer or other malignancies

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain reduction assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Timeframe: Baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07396246

SponsorUnidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave, EPE

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-12-31

Contact for this trial

Pedro M M Lopes, MD

+351965676431 mail@pedromarinholopes.pt

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Trochanteric Syndrome trials