A minimally invasive procedure targeting abnormal blood vessels around the knee may offer a significant and lasting solution for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis pain, according to a study published in the journal Radiology. The treatment, known as genicular artery embolisation (GAE), has shown effectiveness in easing the pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility associated with knee osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.
GAE is a procedure where a radiologist guides a thin tube into the abnormal blood vessels that contribute to joint pain. Tiny, resorbable particles are then injected to block these vessels, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. These particles dissolve within hours. Researchers suggest that by decreasing both inflammation and pain, GAE might alter the disease's course and slow its progression.
The study, led by Florian Fleckenstein, deputy head of interventional radiology at Charite University Medicine Berlin, involved 194 participants, aged 69 on average, who had not found relief from at least three months of traditional osteoarthritis treatments. These treatments can include lifestyle modifications, medication, injections, or surgery such as joint replacement. For many patients, traditional conservative measures no longer provide sufficient relief, while joint replacement may not be a viable option due to medical or personal reasons.
Participants reported an average pain score of seven out of 10 before the GAE procedure. Six weeks after the treatment, this score dropped to an average of four out of 10. At both six and 12-month follow-ups, the average pain score further decreased to three out of 10. Beyond pain reduction, patients experienced significant improvements in all measured aspects of knee health, including a greater ability to participate in sports and recreation. Quality of life scores more than doubled over the 12-month period.
Fleckenstein stated that the results are significant because they come from real-world data and represent the largest body of evidence supporting GAE for future osteoarthritis treatments. He concluded that for suitable patients, GAE can provide lasting relief through a single, minimally invasive procedure, offering a meaningful alternative between injections and joint replacement surgery. Knee osteoarthritis affects an estimated 5.4 million people in the UK and over 365 million worldwide.