New knee arthritis treatment delivers lasting pain relief without surgery
A new minimally invasive procedure called genicular artery embolization is showing promise in treating chronic knee osteoarthritis pain. The study found that 80% of patients experienced significant pain relief for at least one year, offering a potential alternative to surgery.
Why it matters
This treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for millions of arthritis sufferers who are not candidates for or wish to avoid joint replacement surgery.
A minimally invasive procedure that targets abnormal blood vessels in the knee could provide lasting relief for people struggling with osteoarthritis, offering a potential alternative to joint replacement surgery.
In a study involving 194 patients, researchers found that a treatment using tiny particles that dissolve within hours was associated with substantial reductions in knee pain and improvements in mobility. The benefits persisted for at least 12 months, with 80% of patients assessed at the one-year follow-up reporting clinically meaningful pain relief.
The approach, known as genicular artery embolization, aims to interrupt the inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth that contribute to chronic knee pain. Rather than replacing the damaged joint, doctors use a thin catheter to deliver microscopic particles directly into specific blood vessels.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in