Bone marrow injection may offer longer hip pain relief than steroids

This study tests whether a single injection of concentrated bone marrow cells can reduce pain and improve function in people with hip osteoarthritis better than a standard steroid injection. One hundred adults with moderate to severe hip arthritis will be randomly assigned to receive either the bone marrow concentrate or triamcinolone (a steroid) plus lidocaine. The bone marrow group will have marrow drawn from their hip bone, processed, and then injected back into the joint. The steroid group will get a sham procedure to keep them unaware of their treatment. Researchers will track pain, stiffness, and walking ability for up to a year.