Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Review.

JBJS Rev · Sep 01 2023 · Review

Poursalehian M, Bhia I, Ayati Firoozabadi M, Mortazavi SMJ

Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Orthopedic Surgery Department, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran

General Orthopaedics

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONGenicular artery embolization shows promise for reducing pain and synovitis in knee osteoarthritis unresponsive to conservative care, but larger comparative trials are needed to confirm cost-effectiveness and durability.
Abstract, as published

» Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a promising treatment option for patients with knee osteoarthritis who are unresponsive to nonsurgical treatments and not yet candidates for surgery.» Current evidence supports the effectiveness of GAE in reducing pain and synovitis, with few reported major adverse events.» The cost-effectiveness and long-term results of GAE compared with other treatment options require further investigation.» Limitations of existing studies include small sample sizes, single-center trials, and lack of comparison between embolic agents and other treatments.» Future research should focus on larger, multicenter trials with longer follow-up periods and head-to-head comparisons with alternative treatment modalities to establish the role of GAE in the management of knee osteoarthritis.

Featured in the 2026-08-06 issue.

← Cognitive Training in Orthopaedic Surgery.Ergonomics in the Operating Room: Recommendations for Orthopa… →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.