The purpose of major joint injections is to reduce inflammation in the joint space with the goal of improving range of motion and overall functionality. Advanced image guidance is utilized to ensure accurate and safe placement. Examples of major joints include shoulder hip and knee joints.

Greater trochanteric (GT) bursitis—often referred to as greater trochanteric pain syndrome—is a common cause of chronic pain on the outside of the hip. Patients typically experience aching or sharp pain on the side of their hip that worsens with walking, lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing. Standard treatments include activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. While many patients improve, some patients continue to have persistent symptoms despite months of conservative care, and surgery is rarely an option.

GT bursitis embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure designed to treat chronic lateral hip pain by reducing inflammation rather than removing tissue. Chronic bursitis and tendon irritation around the greater trochanter of the hip are associated with abnormal inflammation and increased blood flow, along with nearby pain-sensitive nerves that perpetuate symptoms.

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a very small catheter through a pin-sized skin puncture, usually in the leg, and guides it to the tiny blood vessels supplying the inflamed bursa and surrounding tendons. Microscopic particles are then delivered to reduce abnormal blood flow, helping calm inflammation while preserving normal circulation to the hip.

Early clinical experience suggests many patients experience meaningful pain relief and improved mobility within weeks, with minimal downtime. The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient with no sedation, and it does not limit future surgical options if ever needed.

For patients with chronic lateral hip pain who have not responded to standard treatments and wish to avoid surgery, embolization may be a promising option to discuss with a specialized physician.

Chronic shoulder pain is a common and often disabling problem. Conditions such as frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), shoulder osteoarthritis, and chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Many patients try physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, or even repeated courses of therapy, yet symptoms may persist for months or years. Surgery is an option for some patients, but not everyone is a good candidate or wishes to proceed with an operation.

Shoulder embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment designed to reduce pain by targeting inflammation rather than repairing or removing tissue. Research has shown that chronic shoulder conditions are often associated with inflamed joint lining, tendon irritation, and abnormal growth of small blood vessels that travel alongside pain-sensing nerves. These abnormal vessels help maintain inflammation and pain.

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist places a tiny catheter through a small skin puncture, usually in the wrist, and guides it to the blood vessels supplying the inflamed areas of the shoulder. Microscopic particles are then delivered to reduce abnormal blood flow, calming inflammation while preserving normal blood flow.

Early clinical studies suggest that many patients experience meaningful pain relief, improved shoulder motion, and better function, often within weeks. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis with minimal recovery time or sedation. Importantly, embolization does not preclude future surgical treatment if needed.

For patients with chronic shoulder pain who have not improved with standard therapies and are seeking a non-surgical option, shoulder embolization may be a promising treatment to discuss with a specialized physician.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain. It often begins with sharp pain near the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged standing. Many patients improve with rest, stretching, physical therapy, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections. However, for some individuals, pain can persist for months or even years despite these treatments, creating a frustrating gap between conservative care and surgery.

Plantar fasciitis embolization is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic heel pain by targeting inflammation rather than cutting or removing tissue. Research has shown that long-standing plantar fasciitis is associated with abnormal inflammation and increased blood flow around the plantar fascia, along with nearby pain-sensitive nerves. These abnormal blood vessels help sustain inflammation and pain.

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter through a small skin puncture, usually in the leg or ankle, and guides it to the blood vessels supplying the inflamed area of the heel. Very small particles are then injected to reduce abnormal blood flow, helping calm inflammation and decrease pain signals. Normal circulation to the foot is preserved.

Early studies suggest that many patients experience significant pain relief and improved ability to walk and stand, often within weeks. The procedure is typically done as an outpatient, requires little downtime, and allows a quick return to daily activities. Importantly, plantar fasciitis embolization does not interfere with future surgical options if they are ever needed.

For patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who have exhausted standard treatments and want to avoid surgery, embolization may represent a promising, joint- and tissue-preserving option to discuss with a specialized physician.

Knee osteoarthritis is a very common cause of chronic knee pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Many patients try treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss, or knee injections, but these options often stop working over time. At the same time, not everyone is ready for—or is a good candidate for—knee replacement surgery. This leaves a large group of patients stuck between injections and surgery.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure designed to help reduce knee pain by targeting inflammation rather than bone or cartilage. Research shows that painful knee arthritis is often driven by inflamed joint lining (synovitis) and abnormal new blood vessels that travel alongside pain nerves. During GAE, an interventional radiologist uses a tiny catheter to deliver microscopic particles to these abnormal blood vessels, reducing inflammation and pain signaling while preserving normal circulation.

Studies from around the world show that many patients experience meaningful pain relief and improved function after GAE, often within weeks, with benefits lasting months to years. The procedure is performed through a small pinhole in the skin, doesn't require sedation, and patients typically return home the same day. Serious complications are uncommon, and GAE does not prevent future knee replacement if needed.

Click here to watch an informational video about this procedure.

This procedure targets pain that can be caused near the gluteal/buttocks region from inflamed or arthritic joint. Fluoroscopic guidance is used to place steroid medication in the joint to relieve pain safely and accurately.

Click here to watch an informational video about this procedure.

Also known as viscosupplementation, the goal of this injection is to provide lubrication in osteoarthritic knee joints. Patients who have osteoarthritis of the knee lose the natural lubrication present between two articular surfaces inside of the joint space. The placement of HLA allow some restoration of lubrication in the joint space allowing for improved mobility and decreased inflammation and pain.

This procedure targets hip and knee joint pain for those who are not candidates for knee or hip surgery or already have had knee or hip surgery and are not further surgical candidates. The needle is placed in an area around the knee or hip joint close to nerves that are responsible for causing painful signals. The nerve is then ablated (removed) to stop painful signals.