Genicular Artery Embolization for Primary Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a novel treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA) with increasing interest and utilization worldwide. The genicular arteries are selectively embolized using microspheres with subsequent cessation of abnormal synovial hyperemia, a process believed to arrest the inflammatory changes and pain associated with OA. Current data indicate that GAE offers sustained, 6-month improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale scores in 80 to 85% of patients with mild to moderate OA. As GAE gains traction, future studies are needed to establish its safety and efficacy relative to placebo and other standard-of-care therapies while also characterizing populations for which it is most effective.

Keywords

GAE - genicular artery embolization - osteoarthritis - embolization - WOMAC - WORMS - VAS - interventional radiology

Publication History

Article published online:
30 June 2022

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