Overview | Who is a candidate? | Procedure | Recovery & Benefits | Why NSVI? | FAQs
Osteitis Pubis Embolization (OPE) is an emerging minimally invasive treatment designed to address chronic inflammation associated with osteitis pubis. North Star Vascular & Interventional is among the first centers in the United States and the first in Minnesota to offer this innovative procedure.
What is Osteitis Pubis Embolization?
Osteitis Pubis Embolization (OPE) is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist.
The procedure is similar to embolization treatments used for other chronic inflammatory conditions, including knee osteoarthritis and plantar fasciitis.
Using advanced imaging guidance, a tiny catheter is navigated through the arteries supplying the chronically inflamed tissues surrounding the pubic symphysis. Tiny embolic particles are then delivered into these abnormal blood vessels with the goal to reduce the inflammatory process contributing to chronic pain.
How does OPE work?
Research has demonstrated that chronic inflammatory conditions often develop abnormal small blood vessels.1 These vessels contribute to ongoing inflammation and pain signaling.
By selectively reducing blood flow to these abnormal vessels, embolization may:
- Decrease inflammatory signaling
- Reduce chronic pain
- Improve function and mobility
- Support long-term symptom relief
Who may be a candidate for OPE?
OPE may be considered for patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with osteitis pubis
- Have persistent symptoms lasting 3–6 months or longer
- Continue to experience pain despite conservative treatment
- Want to avoid surgery
- Have chronic groin pain affecting work, exercise, or sports participation
A consultation with an interventional radiologist is necessary to determine whether OPE is appropriate for your specific condition.
What happens during the procedure?
OPE is performed on an outpatient basis using twilight sedation.
During the procedure:
- A tiny catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin.
- Advanced imaging is used to guide the catheter to the arteries supplying the inflamed region.
- Tiny particles are delivered into the abnormal blood vessels.
- The catheter is removed and a small bandage is applied.
Most procedures take less than two hours, and patients return home the same day.
Recovery after Osteitis Pubis Embolization
Recovery is generally much easier than recovery from surgery. Patients may experience mild soreness for a few days following treatment. Most individuals can resume normal daily activities within several days. Many patients begin noticing improvement within a few weeks, although recovery timelines vary.
Benefits of OPE
Potential benefits include:
- No surgical incision
- No implanted hardware
- Outpatient procedure
- Twilight sedation instead of general anesthesia
- Minimal downtime
- Faster recovery than surgery
- Preservation of future treatment options
Why choose North Star Vascular & Interventional?
North Star Vascular & Interventional is a national leader in minimally invasive embolization therapies. Our physicians have extensive experience treating chronic inflammatory conditions using advanced image-guided techniques.
As the first center in Minnesota to offer Osteitis Pubis Embolization and one of the first in the United States, our team is helping expand access to innovative treatments for patients with chronic groin pain.
Osteitis Pubis Embolization Frequently Asked Questions
No. OPE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed through a tiny catheter. No surgical incision is required.
No. Most patients receive twilight sedation and remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Recovery is generally much faster than surgical treatment.
Many patients continue physical therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Your physician will provide individualized recommendations.
No. OPE is typically reserved for patients with chronic symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment.
The best way to determine whether OPE is appropriate for you is to schedule a consultation with the specialists at North Star Vascular & Interventional.
For more information about Osteitis Pubis Embolization (OPE) and other treatments at North Star Vascular please contact us.
- Dirkx M, Vitale C. Osteitis Pubis. [Updated 2022 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556168