A study of 194 patients found that genicular artery embolization using dissolving microspheres significantly reduced knee pain and improved mobility for at least one year.

A minimally invasive procedure called genicular artery embolization (GAE) may offer lasting relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis who have exhausted conventional treatments. Researchers found that injecting microscopic, rapidly dissolving particles into abnormal blood vessels around the knee reduced pain and improved function for at least 12 months. The study, published in the journal Radiology, involved 194 patients and suggests the technique could serve as an alternative to joint replacement surgery.

How the Procedure Works

GAE targets abnormal blood vessels that develop around an inflamed joint, a condition known as hypervascularity. These vessels contribute to inflammation and the growth of sensory nerves that transmit pain. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses a thin catheter to deliver gelatin-based microspheres into specific small arteries. These particles, which dissolve within hours, block the abnormal vessels while preserving the knee's normal circulation, aiming to modulate the joint's pathological neurovascular environment.

Study Results and Patient Outcomes

The study tracked 194 participants, including 114 women and 80 men with a median age of 69, all of whom had experienced persistent symptoms despite at least three months of conventional care. All 239 procedures performed were technically successful with no moderate or severe adverse events recorded. By the 12-month follow-up, 80% of patients reported clinically meaningful pain relief. Median pain scores on a 0-to-10 scale dropped from 7 before treatment to 3 at the one-year mark.

Limitations and Ongoing Research

While the results indicate significant improvements in daily activities, sports, and quality of life, researchers noted that the study did not demonstrate that GAE prevents cartilage deterioration or reverses existing joint damage. The question of whether the procedure can slow the progression of osteoarthritis remains open. Additionally, previous research has highlighted the need for further investigation, including sham-controlled studies, to distinguish the physical effects of embolization from patient expectations.