Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) vs inTra-articular Corticosteroid Injection for Osteoarthritic Knee Pain.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) vs inTra-articular Corticosteroid Injection for Osteoarthritic Knee Pain. (GET-IN Study)

This study investigates genicular artery embolization (GAE) as a minimally invasive alternative to ntra-articular corticosteroid injections (IA) or treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Designed as a randomized controlled tria, the study compares pain relief effectiveness and safety between GAE and IA over a 12-month follow-up. Eligible participants are aged over 40 with symptomatic knee OA resistant to conservative treatment. Primary outcomes focus on pain reduction (NRS score), while secondary measures include function, quality of life, imaging findings, and adverse events.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 40 years
2. Symptomatic knee pain, with numeric rating scale (NRS) ≥ 4.
3. Insufficient or resistant to conservative treatment, including oral analgesics, physical therapy, intra-articular injections for at least 3 months, before the enrollment.
4. Weight bearing X ray of knee: osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1, 2, or 3.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of trauma in recent 6 months.
2. Bleeding tendency.
3. Poor renal function (serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/dL).
4. Pregnancy or breast-feeding.
5. Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).
6. Local infections or inflammatory arthritis of knee.
7. Rheumatoid arthritis or other rheumatological diseases.
8. Prior knee surgeries (arthroscopic surgery, menisci repair, cruciate ligament reconstruction, arthroplasty of knee) due to knee pain.
9. Malignancy
10. ECOG > grade 2
11. Life expectancy less than 2 years.
12. Any other condition related to the patient's health, regarded exclusionary in the opinion of the investigator.