Hip joint injections are done only diagnostically.  These are done to verify if the pain is coming from the hip joint.  Using a special x-ray machine (C-arm), a thin needle is inserted into the joint capsule and contrast material is injected to get a picture of the hip called an arthrogram.  Following that a few CCs of local anesthetic are injected into the hip joint and the needle is withdrawn.

Pictures are obtained to assess the hip with a contrast material injected.  After the injection the patient is observed and questioned of about how much pain relief is obtained from the above injection.  Based on the result of pain relief noted and the hip joint visualization with the contrast injected, further treatment can be tailored with orthopedic surgeons according to the specifics of the case.