Genicular Artery Embolization Shows Promise as Non-Surgical Option for Knee Arthritis
Key Insights
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) significantly improved quality of life by 87% and reduced pain by 71% in knee arthritis (search) patients after one year.
The GAE procedure involves blocking blood flow to reduce inflammation and nerve growth, potentially delaying or preventing knee replacement surgery.
The study included over 400 participants with moderate to severe knee arthritis (search) who had not responded to other treatments, showing effectiveness in early stages.
Blocking blood flow to the site of knee arthritis (search) through genicular artery embolization (GAE) can reduce pain and potentially prevent the need for knee replacement surgery, according to a new study. The procedure improved patients’ quality of life by 87% and their pain by 71% at a one-year follow-up.
Dr. Florian Nima Fleckenstein, an interventional radiologist at Charité – University Hospital Berlin in Germany, stated, “Our study found that GAE can effectively reduce knee pain and improve quality of life early after the treatment, with these benefits being maintained over the long term, especially for people who haven’t had success with other treatments like physical therapy or pain medications.”
The genicular arteries, a network of six leg arteries around the knee joint, are often altered in patients with knee arthritis (search). Researchers hypothesized that blocking blood flow from these arteries at the site of knee pain could help reduce inflammation, continual wear down of cartilage, and the growth of new nerves that increase pain sensation.
Study Details
In the study, researchers performed GAE on over 400 individuals aged 40 to 90 with moderate to severe knee arthritis (search) that had not responded to other treatments. The procedure involves injecting small particles into specific blood vessels to block blood flow.
The Radiological Society of North America annual meeting in Chicago will present the findings. The research is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Potential Impact
According to Fleckenstein, “This could potentially offer a new lease on life for many patients who suffer from debilitating pain and mobility issues caused by osteoarthritis (search). GAE has the potential to reduce the need for more invasive surgeries, lower health care costs, and significantly improve the quality of life for countless individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis.”