Researchers Develop New Non-Surgical Procedure for Lasting Knee Arthritis Pain Relief - Video

A minimally invasive procedure that blocks abnormal blood vessels around the knee may provide long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility for people with knee osteoarthritis, according to a study published in the journal Radiology.

The treatment, known as genicular artery embolization (GAE), is designed for patients whose symptoms are no longer adequately controlled by medications, physical therapy, or injections but who are not candidates for knee replacement surgery. The procedure targets abnormal blood vessels that develop around arthritic joints and are believed to contribute to chronic inflammation and pain.

Researchers evaluated the procedure in 194 patients with osteoarthritis-related knee pain who had not responded to at least three months of conservative treatment. Participants underwent GAE using tiny gelatin-based microspheres that temporarily block blood flow to abnormal vessels. The particles dissolve within hours, but the treatment's effects may persist much longer.

In total, 239 procedures were performed, including treatment of both knees in some patients. All procedures were technically successful, and no moderate or severe complications were reported. Only a small number of participants experienced mild side effects that resolved without intervention.

Patients were followed for up to 12 months after treatment. Pain scores improved rapidly, with median pain levels dropping from 7 out of 10 before treatment to 4 after six weeks and 3 at both six and 12 months. The sustained reduction suggests that the benefits of the procedure may last for at least a year.

Researchers also observed significant improvements in physical function, daily activities, sports and recreation, osteoarthritis symptoms, and overall quality of life. By the one-year follow-up, 80% of patients achieved clinically meaningful improvements in pain.

The findings suggest that GAE could fill an important treatment gap for people with knee osteoarthritis who continue to experience significant symptoms despite standard therapies.

Although further studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes, the results indicate that GAE may offer a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative between injections and joint replacement surgery for selected patients with knee osteoarthritis.

REFERENCE: Florian Nima Fleckenstein, Dina David, Paolo Garducci, Tazio Maleitzke, Stephan Oehme, Lynn Jeanette Savic, Timo Alexander Auer, Bernhard Gebauer, Tobias Winkler, Federico Collettini. Genicular Artery Embolization Using Rapidly Resorbable Gelatin-based Microspheres for Osteoarthritis-related Knee Pain. Radiology, 2026; 319 (3) DOI: 10.1148/radiol.253312