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NCT Number: NCT06529783

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation on the Superior Gluteal Nerve in Patients With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) predominantly affects women, with an annual incidence of 1.8 to 5.6 per 1000 individuals and a prevalence ratio of 4:1 compared to men. It is characterized by lateral pain in the greater trochanter region, particularly during palpation, prolonged sitting, and physical activity. Conservative treatments, such as radial shockwave therapy and therapeutic exercises, are effective but slow, and some patients eventually require surgery.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation, targeting the superior gluteal nerve, has emerged as a promising alternative to improve GTPS outcomes. This technique aims to normalize motor response and reduce pain more rapidly than conventional therapies. Integrating neuromodulation could accelerate recovery, enhancing both pain relief and tendon functionality. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of this technique as an adjunct to conventional treatments, aiming for faster symptom improvement and better long-term adherence.

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Key information

Conditions

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Zaragoza

Zaragoza, 50009, Spain

About this study

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a condition primarily affecting women, with an annual incidence ranging from 1.8 to 5.6 per 1000 individuals and a prevalence ratio of 4:1 compared to men. Formerly known as trochanteric bursitis, this syndrome is characterized by lateral pain in the region of the greater trochanter, particularly manifesting during palpation, prolonged sitting, and physical activity. The primary cause of GTPS is attributed to repetitive friction between the greater trochanter and the iliotibial band, resulting in gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy, as well as other associated conditions such as trochanteric bursitis and iliotibial band syndrome.

Conservative treatment is the first-line approach for GTPS, with radial shockwave therapy and therapeutic exercises demonstrating long-term efficacy. However, a percentage of patients require surgical intervention due to a lack of response to conservative treatments.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation, a technique utilizing electrical stimulation via a needle guided by ultrasound, has emerged as a potential alternative to improve therapeutic outcomes for GTPS. In this study, this technique targets the superior gluteal nerve, which innervates the gluteus medius, minimus, and tensor fasciae latae, with the aim of normalizing motor response and reducing pain. Neuromodulation could provide a faster improvement in symptoms and motor patterns compared to conventional therapies, which require prolonged periods to be effective.

Given that current treatments for GTPS, such as shockwave therapy and therapeutic exercises, are effective but slow in progress, the integration of percutaneous neuromodulation could accelerate patient recovery, improving both pain relief and mechanical functionality of the tendon. This combined approach has the potential not only to optimize clinical outcomes but also to reduce the need for surgical interventions in GTPS patients.

In summary, this study proposes to explore the effectiveness of superior gluteal nerve neuromodulation as an adjunct to conventional treatments for GTPS. The research aims to demonstrate whether this technique can significantly expedite pain reduction and motor pattern improvement, thereby enhancing long-term treatment adherence and tolerance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Suffering from Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS).
  • Experiencing local pain upon palpation of the greater trochanter area.
  • Having pain in the greater trochanter region lasting more than three months, indicating chronicity.
  • Being over 18 years of age.
  • Experiencing pain when bearing weight on the affected trochanter.
  • Having pain that impairs the functionality of resisted hip abduction.

Exclusion criteria

  • Radiological evidence of pathology in the hip or knee joints.
  • Blood coagulation disorders.
  • Use of oral anticoagulants.
  • Presence of infections.
  • History of disc or hip surgery.
  • Presence of dysplasia, deformities, or sciatica.
  • History of vascular, neurological, or neoplastic diseases.
  • Specific contraindications for ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (UG-PNM): belenophobia, pregnancy, pacemakers, epilepsy.

Treatment and study plan

Shockwave Therapy

Other

The proposed model for radial shockwave therapy at Clínica Osteopática Dr. David Ponce is the DolorClast® by EMS, made in Nyon, Switzerland. Treatment parameters include 2500 impulses, 0.2 mJ/mm² energy density, and 15 pulses per second, using a 15 mm diameter applicator with ultrasound gel applied to the treatment area. The patient will be positioned laterally on the table with specific leg positions to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

therapeutic exercises

Other

The exercise protocol was followed daily, with continuous physiotherapist supervision to ensure correct execution and avoid improper postures. The protocol includes four exercises: bilateral low-load supine abduction, unilateral isometric hip abduction in medial rotation, hip abduction with sliding, and bilateral supported glute bridge. A maximum of 4/10 on the VAS pain scale is allowed during exercise; exceeding this threshold means skipping exercises for that day.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation:

Other

This technique was applied only to the experimental group before shockwave therapy. An ultrasound-guided approach to the superior gluteal nerve used a 7-12 MHz linear probe from Esaote MyLab™Alpha and Physio Invasiva® equipment. The needle length varied with patient anatomy, with a typical safety reference from 0.30 x 60 to 0.35 x 70 mm. A biphasic current with 10 Hz frequency and 240 μs pulse width was used, with intensity adjusted for a visible but non-painful motor response, following the 10-10-10 protocol.

To locate the superior gluteal nerve, a longitudinal scan of the lateral iliac crest identified the nerve between the gluteus minimus and medius. The procedure used a short-axis approach at 80º to target the nerve's perineurium, with the area disinfected with chlorhexidine before needle insertion.

Primary outcomes

  1. Functional capacity

    Time frame: This variable is measured five times, corresponding with the five participant visits (day 1, week 4, week 8, week 16, and year 1).

    Functionality will be assessed using the Visa-G questionnaire, which consists of 8 questions divided into three main aspects: pain, function, and activity. The first 7 questions score up to 10 points each, while question 8 has a maximum score of 30. An asymptomatic person would score a total of 100 points; thus, a lower score indicates greater disability severity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain on the Day Prior to the Visit

    Time frame: This variable is collected on five occasions, coinciding with the five participant visits (day 1, week 4, week 8, week 16, and year 1)

    Pain is measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

  2. Pain on Palpation of the Greater Trochanter

    Time frame: day 1, week 4, week 8, week 16, and year 1

    Pain on palpation, performed by the physiotherapist, is also measured using the VAS

  3. Hip Abductor Muscle Strength

    Time frame: day 1, week 4, week 8, week 16, and year 1

    Strength is measured using an Active Force 2 dynamometer

  4. Adverse Effects

    Time frame: day 1, week 4, week 8, week 16, and year 1

    Adverse effects for this study include pain during the treatment session, pain after the session, inflammation and/or redness in the treated area, bruising in the treated region, dizziness, muscle fatigue, numbness, and drowsiness. These are assessed through the participant's oral reports.

  5. Adherence to the Therapeutic Exercise Protocol

    Time frame: day 1, week 4, week 8, week 16, and year 1

    Adherence is assessed by asking the patient in each session if they are following the protocol correctly, with an emphasis on honesty to ensure accurate recording of adherence.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad de Zaragoza

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation (UG-PNM) on the Superior Gluteal Nerve in Patients With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): A Pilot Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 31, 2024
Registry last updated
Jun 25, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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