The Role of Genicular Artery Embolization in the Treatment of Pain Related to Knee Osteoarthritis: A cohort study.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of genicular artery embolization (GAE) for treatment of pain related to knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A prospective study involving 28 patients with KOA treated with GAE using proper embolic material. Pain and function were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline and at three and six month follow-up, Patients were treated using either Lipiodol or Embospheres, but no stratified comparison was performed. This study emphasizes the technique of genicular artery embolization (GAE) as a whole, regardless of embolic material used. Results: A total of twenty eight patients were enrolled and treated with genicular artery embolization (GAE) for treatment of pain related to knee osteoarthritis (KOA), Significant improvements in both VAS and WOMAC scores were observed at three and six months post-treatment. No major complications were reported. The average VAS pain score significantly decreased from 77.4 ± 14.9 mm at baseline to 39.7 ± 21.5 mm at the 3-month follow up and 31.2 ± 20.4 mm at the 6-month follow up (P < 0.001), VAS: decreased 46.2 mm (~59.7% improvement), Additionally, the mean WOMAC index improved from 61.8 ± 17.5 at baseline to 36.4 ± 23.3 at 3-months follow up and 30.5 ± 19.6 at the 6 -month follow up (P < 0.001), WOMAC: decreased 31.3 points (~50.6% improvement). Conclusion: GAE is a safe and effective technique for mid-term pain relief in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.