GENICULAR artery embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive procedure, offers promising relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis, potentially delaying or eliminating the need for knee replacement surgery, according to new findings presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting.
The retrospective study, led by Florian Nima Fleckenstein of Charité – University Hospital Berlin, analyzed 403 patients aged 40 to 90 with moderate to severe osteoarthritis who had not responded to traditional treatments like physical therapy or pain medications. Patients experienced an 87% improvement in quality of life and a 71% reduction in pain scores at 1 year following the procedure.
GAE targets abnormal blood vessels in the knee that contribute to inflammation and pain. During the procedure, interventional radiologists inject tiny particles into these vessels to block blood flow, thereby disrupting the cycle of cartilage breakdown and nerve growth associated with osteoarthritis.
“This study highlights the potential of GAE to offer significant pain relief and improve mobility, especially in early-stage osteoarthritis,” Fleckenstein said. “By intervening early, we can potentially prevent disease progression and reduce the need for invasive surgeries.”
GAE demonstrated a 100% technical success rate, with minimal side effects such as temporary skin discoloration and mild post-procedural knee pain in 18% of cases. The findings underscore GAE’s safety and efficacy across various severity levels of osteoarthritis.
The study’s promising results suggest that GAE could revolutionize osteoarthritis treatment by offering a less invasive alternative to joint replacement surgery. Researchers hope that widespread adoption of GAE could reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes for millions of patients.
Reference: RSNA. Minimally Invasive Procedure Relieves Knee Arthritis. December 3, 2024. [Press release]. Available at: https://press.rsna.org/timssnet/media/pressreleases/PDF/pressreleasePDF.cfm?ID=2543.
