[DJR-149 1.0 CE] Genicular Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Knee Pain Secondary to Osteoarthritis

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of embolization of hyperemic synovial tissue for the treatment of knee pain secondary to
osteoarthritis (OA).
Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with radiographic knee OA and moderate-to-severe pain refractory to conservative therapy
were enrolled in a prospective, 2-site pilot study. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) was performed with 75- or 100-μm spherical
particles. Patients were assessed with magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and at 1 month and with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Adverse
events were recorded at all timepoints.
Results: Embolization of at least 1 genicular artery was achieved in 20/20 (100%) patients. Mean VAS improved from 76 mm ± 14 at
baseline to 29 mm ± 27 at 6-month follow-up (P <.01). Mean WOMAC score improved from 61 ± 12 at baseline to 29 ± 27 at 6-month
follow-up (P < .01). Self-limiting skin discoloration occurred in 13/20 (65%) patients. Two of 20 (10%) patients developed plantar
sensory paresthesia that resolved within 14 days.

Conclusions: GAE to treat knee pain secondary to OA can be performed safely and demonstrates potential efficacy. Further ran-
domized comparative studies are needed to determine true treatment effect versus placebo effect.

Structured Education: