Clinical outcome of endovascular genicular artery embolization in mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee - A prospective study

Osteoarthritis is a growing global concern, with conventional treatments largely limited to analgesics and joint replacement. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) has emerged as a potential alternative for managing mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of GAE for such patients. After institutional ethics approval and informed consent, 35 patients (mean age 56.8±9.11 years) were enrolled. Symptoms were assessed using WOMAC and VAS scores, while pre- procedure contrast-enhanced MRI (CEMRI) of the affected knee was evaluated using the WORMS scoring system. GAE was performed using 40µ-120µ Embosphere particles, and patients were followed at 1, 3, and 6 months, post-procedure, with clinical evaluation and CEMRI repeated at 6 months. At 6 months, a ≥50% reduction in WOMAC scores was achieved in 60% of patients, while VAS scores improved by ≥50% in 65.71% of cases. Statistically significant reductions in synovitis, as assessed by WORMS scores, were observed on follow-up imaging. No major complications were reported during the study period. These findings demonstrate that GAE is a safe and effective treatment option for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, providing significant symptom relief and improved imaging findings in the short to medium term. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term outcomes.