A <b>Case Series Analysis of Trans-Arterial Embolization for Osteoarthritis-Related Hand Pain</b>

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread disorder which commonly impacts a significant portion of the population. Although most cases involve the knee joint, it can also affect the carpometacarpal joint and cause significant pain in the hand and thumb. Traditional treatments often provide short-term pain relief and need continual treatment prompting the need for exploring alternative therapies to prolong the duration of pain relief. This case series assesses the clinical success of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) of the joints in the hand as a minimally invasive treatment for chronic pain associated with hand joint OA, defined as a 50% (or greater) decrease in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score overall, as well as a decrease in prescribed pain medication use. We present a case report of four patients who underwent this intervention for hand joint osteoarthritis. Preliminary results show an average decrease in VAS exceeding the 50% threshold, with a notable reduction in pain medication usage and improvements in daily activities. These findings suggest that TAE shows promise as a minimally invasive therapy for hand joint OA, warranting further investigation into its long-term efficacy and safety.