New Treatment Reduces Knee Pain Without Surgery

Topic: Health

A new treatment called genicular artery embolization (GAE) has been successful in reducing knee pain for some people. A study found that nearly 70% of patients had significant pain relief after the procedure. This treatment may be an alternative to injections or surgery.

Cynthia Schraf-Fletcher, a 74-year-old woman, underwent GAE on her right knee and experienced remarkable results. She says the pain reduction is almost as good as the total knee replacement she had on her left knee. The procedure was performed by Leigh Casadaban, MD, MS, an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine.

GAE works by reducing blood flow to inflamed areas inside the knee. This calms inflammation, which in turn reduces swelling and pain. It's a minimally invasive treatment that may be useful for people with osteoarthritis who have tried simpler options but are not ready for major surgery.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage and other structures inside a joint break down over time. In the knee, this can cause pain, stiffness, inflammation, and difficulty walking or exercising. Casadaban says that people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis tend to be the best candidates for GAE.

The procedure typically takes one to two hours and is performed under conscious sedation. A small incision is made in the leg, and a thin tube called a catheter is guided through the femoral artery using X-ray imaging and contrast dye. Once the catheter reaches the genicular arteries around the knee, tiny beads are released into abnormal blood vessels associated with painful areas.

GAE was first developed in Japan over a decade ago and has since gained attention worldwide. The FDA has granted 'breakthrough device status' to several devices used in this area since 2021.

Why It Matters

This new treatment may be an option for people who want to avoid surgery or have tried other treatments without success. It's also a reminder that medical research is constantly evolving, and new options are being developed to improve patient care.

Key Facts

• GAE was first developed in Japan over a decade ago.
• The procedure has been successful for nearly 70% of patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
• GAE reduces blood flow to inflamed areas inside the knee, which calms inflammation and reduces pain.
• The procedure typically takes one to two hours and is performed under conscious sedation.
• The FDA has granted 'breakthrough device status' to several devices used in this area since 2021.

Key Terms

Genicular artery embolization

A minimally invasive treatment that reduces blood flow to inflamed areas inside the knee.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease where cartilage and other structures inside a joint break down over time.

Implications

This new treatment may be an option for people who want to avoid surgery or have tried other treatments without success. It's also a reminder that medical research is constantly evolving, and new options are being developed to improve patient care.