Geniculate Artery Embolization: A New Frontier for Osteoarthritis Management

Purpose: To delineate the role of geniculate artery embolization in the management of osteoarthritis via a review current literature.

Materials and Methods: Based on information gathered from a literature review, a description of the workflow from preprocedural planning to postprocedural factors will be given. A description of the steps will also be provided along with figures for visual benefit. A literature search was done in PubMed, and three clinical trials were found. These trials were reviewed to determine the number of patients treated, the number of geniculate artery procedures performed, and the outcomes.

Results: Three studies were used from an initial search consisting of 41 results. A total of 55 patients were analyzed across the three trials, and results showed a consistent decrease in Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index scores. The technical success rate was 100%. Average WOMAC and visual analog scale (VAS) scores improved from baseline at 1-, 4-, and 6-month intervals during follow-up. VAS scores on average decreased by 53.3% across all three trials over the follow-up periods. No major adverse events were reported across the trials.

Conclusions: Analysis of results from clinical trials as well as review articles shows that geniculate artery embolization offers a minimally invasive solution in the management of patients with osteoarthritis.