An international team of researchers has reported the successful application of a new minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis. This procedure can reduce pain and improve mobility without the need for surgical joint replacement, with positive effects lasting at least one year. The study’s findings were published in the journal Radiology.
Knee osteoarthritis remains the most common form of arthritis worldwide. According to WHO estimates, over 365 million people are affected by it. The condition is characterized by inflammation, pain, and stiffness in movement, leading to a decline in the quality of daily activities.
Scientists tested the effectiveness of a method called knee artery embolization. It targets the abnormal blood vessels that form around the affected joint and contribute to chronic inflammation.
During the procedure, a doctor inserts a thin catheter into the blood vessels, delivering microscopic particles made from gelatin. These particles temporarily block blood flow in the abnormal vessels, helping to reduce inflammation and pain. The injected particles dissolve completely in the body within just a few hours.
The study involved 194 patients with knee osteoarthritis, including 114 women and 80 men. The average age of the participants was 69 years. All had previously undergone at least three months of conservative treatment, which included physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and intra-articular injections. However, this approach proved ineffective.
A total of 239 procedures were performed. In 23% of cases, both knees were treated simultaneously. All interventions were successful. No serious complications were observed, and even mild side effects were reported in only 6.7% of patients, but these resolved on their own.
Treatment effectiveness was monitored at six weeks, three months, six months, and one year after the procedures. As early as six weeks, the average pain level dropped from 7 to 4 points on a ten-point scale. At six and twelve months, this indicator remained at 3 points, accompanied by improvements in physical activity levels. Quality of life scores also increased noticeably.
According to the authors, this study is the largest to date investigating this method, providing strong evidence of its safety and effectiveness.
About the Author
